Egypt has welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, emphasizing regional de-escalation and urging for an end to the conflict in Gaza. While the Hamas government has shown readiness for a ceasefire, ongoing military actions continue to result in significant casualties. The Egyptian government calls for adherence to international laws and a political process towards establishing a Palestinian state.
On Wednesday, Egypt expressed its support for the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which took effect earlier that day. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs articulated that this development could foster de-escalation throughout the region by implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. This resolution advocates for the deployment of Lebanese military forces in southern Lebanon to restore sovereignty over all national territories.
The ministry further underscored the critical nature of respecting Lebanon’s sovereignty, asserting that its internal affairs must remain free from external interference. It also highlighted the need to strengthen Lebanese state institutions, particularly the presidential election process, ensuring decisions are made based on national consensus without foreign influence.
The ceasefire, facilitated by the United States and France, has been enacted after a protracted period of hostilities along the Lebanese-Israeli border, which followed Israel’s extensive military campaign against Gaza. Despite attempting to negotiate a long-term ceasefire in Gaza, Israel’s continuous obstruction of proposals has hindered progress, with only a brief pause in conflict observed during a week-long truce in late November 2023.
Additionally, the Hamas governing body in Gaza has declared its willingness to engage in a ceasefire, with senior officials indicating that they have communicated this readiness to mediators in Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. Egypt’s foreign ministry reiterated the necessity for regional de-escalation, contending that military solutions do not provide viable resolutions to ongoing crises. The ministry called upon all involved parties to commit to the tenets of international law and United Nations resolutions.
“Cairo advocated for a decisive political process with a timeline to establish a Palestinian state on Palestinian soil and end occupation as per international laws and US resolutions,” the statement conveyed. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has severely impacted the Palestinian population, as reported by Gaza’s health ministry, which indicates a death toll of at least 44,282 and injuries to approximately 104,880 individuals.
The situation in the Middle East remains complex, with the recent Israel-Lebanon ceasefire representing a significant diplomatic effort aimed at stabilizing the region. This agreement comes amidst an ongoing and devastating conflict in the Gaza Strip, where military actions by Israel have resulted in substantial casualties. Egypt, recognizing its influential position in regional politics, has been actively pushing for resolutions that could lead to long-term peace and the establishment of a Palestinian state, reflecting its commitment to both regional stability and adherence to international law.
In summary, Egypt has welcomed the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire as a positive step towards regional de-escalation while continuing to advocate for an end to hostilities in Gaza. The Egyptian government emphasizes the importance of respecting sovereignty and pursuing a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. There remains a pressing need for all parties to adhere to international law and UN resolutions in order to pave the way for a sustainable peace and the realization of a Palestinian state.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
