Egypt will be hosting a summit on Saturday, in collaboration with regional and international partners, to specifically address the escalating situation in Gaza. The aim of this summit is to discuss the deteriorating conditions resulting from Israeli aggression and the ongoing diplomatic efforts to contain the situation, prevent further violence, and safeguard the security and stability of the region. It is important to note that Egypt unequivocally rejects the collective punishment and displacement of Palestinians.
In response to the attacks on Israeli settlements by Hamas on the 7th of October, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 Israelis and left 199 captured, the Israeli army conducted airstrikes and artillery bombardments on the Gaza Strip. Tragically, this has led to the loss of more than 2,500 Palestinian civilian lives, with over 10,000 wounded, and caused the displacement of thousands of individuals, as well as extensive destruction to the city’s infrastructure.
As the Israeli administration continues its collective punishment of 2.3 million Palestinians, in preparation for a ground operation in Gaza, global leaders have collectively condemned Hamas’s actions. In contrast, Egypt has actively advocated for an end to Israeli airstrikes, the protection of civilian populations, and the facilitation of humanitarian aid access. Regrettably, despite the urgent need for assistance, the humanitarian aid provided by various countries is currently blocked from entry at the Rafah crossing border by Israel. Furthermore, recurring Israeli airstrikes have damaged critical infrastructure at the Rafah crossing on the Palestinian side, leading to disruptions in its regular operation.
The chaotic state within the Israeli administration has prompted them to launch attacks on the South of Lebanon and Syria, out of fear of opening multiple fronts once ground operations are initiated. World leaders, particularly the US, have urged Iran and Lebanon to refrain from taking any actions against Israel, a warning that has been respected thus far. However, as the attacks and bombardments persist, the situation may escalate further in the near future. In this atmosphere of panic and chaos, Putin has also issued a warning about the potential escalation of tensions in the region.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt and President Vladimir Putin of Russia have both emphasized the importance of prioritizing support for the truce process in Palestine and restoring stability in the region. During a phone call between the two leaders, they expressed grave concerns about the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and stressed the urgent need for safe access to humanitarian and relief aid. Additionally, President al-Sisi and President Putin underscored the necessity of addressing the root causes of the crisis, including the unresolved Palestinian issue and the establishment of a Palestinian state in accordance with international legitimacy.
President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi also engaged in a discussion with US President Joe Biden, focusing on the recent military escalation in the Gaza Strip. The Egyptian Presidency announced that they discussed ongoing consultations with the United Nations and efforts to promote and revive the peace process. This phone call serves as a follow-up to the outcomes of the recent visit by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to Cairo and ongoing consultations between the two countries concerning the tense regional situation. Both presidents expressed their grave concern regarding the current situation and stressed the importance of containing the conflict and preserving regional security and stability. Furthermore, they emphasized the utmost priority of protecting civilians and delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
