Egypt is continuing its efforts with the US to reach a ceasefire agreement in the war-torn Gaza and secure the release of captives, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs Badr Abdelatty said during a phone call on Thursday with his Irish counterpart Micheál Martin.
During the call, they exchanged views on the recent developments related to the Palestinian cause.
The top Egyptian diplomat warned of expanding the scope of the conflict, calling for an instantaneous ceasefire in Gaza to resume the peace process, according to a statement by the foreign minister.
He also praised Ireland’s position which supports the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
Ireland has called for stopping the war on Gaza and recently recognized the Palestinian state.
Minister Martin also voiced his grave concern over the impact of the conflict spiralling across the region, especially after the recent escalation in Lebanon.
He underscored Ireland’s steadfast commitment to backing the UNRWA’s crucial role in the Palestinian territories.
Egypt, with the US and Qatar, has been mediating between Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, where Israel has killed and injured tens of thousands of Palestinians, mostly children and women, caused extensive damage to the infrastructure, and displaced most of the population.
In a recent development, Israel assassinated Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran on Wednesday, as he went there to attend the inauguration of the country’s new president.
Haniyeh’s assassination is seen as a setback to ceasefire mediation efforts, in which he had been involved indirectly.
The ongoing Israeli genocidal war on Gaza has heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in neighbouring Lebanon.
An attack on the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan Heights town of Majdal Shams on Sunday further complicated the situation, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
Additionally, it resulted in the loss of many Syrian children and teenagers, with Israel accusing Hezbollah of firing a rocket and killing the victims.
However, Hezbollah denied any responsibility for the attack.
In retaliation, Tel Aviv assassinated top Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur in a strike in the Lebanese capital Beirut on Wednesday.
Source: Ahram Online
