In meeting in Cairo on Saturday, Egypt and Lebanon stressed the need to avoid the expansion of the scope of violence, restart the peace path, and seek a two-state solution to achieve justice, security and stability for the people of the region. Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati flew to Cairo on Saturday for talks with President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi of Egypt, after his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in the Jordanian capital of Amman.
Quick Read
- Cairo Meeting Objectives:
- Emphasis was placed on preventing the spread of violence, resuming peace negotiations, and supporting a two-state resolution.
- Egypt’s Cease-Fire Efforts:
- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi briefed PM Mikati on Egypt’s actions to mediate a cease-fire and provide humanitarian aid.
- Mikati’s Acknowledgment of Egypt’s Role:
- Lebanese PM Najib Mikati commended Egypt for its political and humanitarian efforts during the crisis.
- Palestinian Casualties:
- The conflict has resulted in a high number of Palestinian casualties, with thousands of deaths and injuries.
- Egyptian Medical Aid:
- Egypt has been facilitating medical treatment for injured Palestinians, with a steady flow being admitted through the Rafah border crossing.
- Border Tensions:
- The Israel-Lebanon border has seen increased tensions involving the Israeli army and Hezbollah since the Gaza war began.
- Support for Lebanese State Institutions:
- El-Sissi expressed Egypt’s unwavering support for Lebanese governmental stability and security.
- Lebanese Appreciation:
- Mikati acknowledged Egypt’s critical role in bolstering Lebanon’s stability, indicative of strong bilateral relations.
- International Community Appeal:
- The leaders called for international action to manage the crisis and stop the violence from escalating further.
- Peace Track Reinforcement:
- Both sides agreed on the importance of restarting peace initiatives and pursuing the principle of a two-state solution for long-term justice and stability in the region.
The Associated Press has the story:
Egypt & Lebanon urge to contain Gaza’s situation, relaunch Peace talks
Newslook- CAIRO (AP)
The Lebanese and Egyptian leaders urged the international community to intensify efforts to “contain the situation and avert expanding the scope of violence.”
Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati flew to Cairo on Saturday for talks with President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi of Egypt, after his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in the Jordanian capital of Amman.
According to a statement from el-Sissi’s office, they also affirmed the necessity of “relaunching the peace track and implement the state-state solution principle to achieve justice, security and stability to the region’s peoples.”
In meeting in Cairo on Saturday, Egypt and Lebanon stressed the need to avoid the expansion of the scope of violence, restart the peace path, and seek a two-state solution to achieve justice, security and stability for the people of the region.
El-Sisi briefed Mikati on the efforts Egypt has exerted towards achieving a ceasefire and delivering humanitarian aid, according to a statement by the Egyptian presidency.
So far, the Palestinian death toll has reached 9,488, including 3,900 children, and the number of injured has risen to 24,158.
Egypt is receiving between 40 and 50 injured Palestinians from Gaza for treatment daily via the Rafah crossing.
The crossing has been open since Wednesday for seriously injured Palestinians as well as for foreigners and dual nationals fleeing the strip for Egypt, per a recently reached deal.
On the Israel-Lebanon border, tensions have escalated between the Israeli army and Hezbollah since the beginning of the war on Gaza on 7 October.
Egypt supports Lebanese institutions
Meanwhile, El-Sisi also emphasized Egypt’s steadfast support for the institutions of the Lebanese state in the interest of stability and security.
PM Mikati appreciated this support and confirmed the importance of Egypt’s role in solidifying stability in Lebanon, which reflects the special relationship between the two countries, the statement added.
