Egypt Advocates for Peace in Gaza Following Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire

Egypt has welcomed the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire and is advocating for an end to the violence in Gaza, stressing the importance of political processes for peace. While Hamas has expressed a willingness for a ceasefire, ongoing negotiations face hurdles, and Egypt highlights a need for adherence to international law.

On Wednesday, Egypt expressed its support for the newly established ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which became effective in the early hours of the day. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that this deal could contribute significantly to reducing tensions in the region, specifically by enforcing UN Security Council Resolution 1701. This resolution involves the deployment of Lebanese forces to southern Lebanon to ensure sovereignty and control across the nation.

The ministry further reiterated the critical need to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and called for the strengthening of state institutions, including the presidential election process, based on national consensus. Furthermore, it stressed that external factors should refrain from interfering in Lebanon’s internal affairs. This ceasefire arrangements were mediated by the United States and France, concluding months of violence across the Lebanese-Israeli border exacerbated by Israel’s ongoing war against Gaza.

While progress had been made in establishing a long-term ceasefire in Gaza, efforts remain stagnant, with Israel consistently obstructing proposals for peace. The Hamas faction, which governs the Gaza Strip, declared its willingness to engage in a ceasefire, indicating that they had communicated this intention to mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. Egypt’s foreign ministry reinforced the significance of pursuing de-escalation across the region, suggesting that military solutions will not resolve ongoing crises. They have also called upon all stakeholders to comply with international laws and UN resolutions regarding the conflict.

Cairo has positioned itself as a proponent of a definitive political process aimed at the establishment of a Palestinian state, advocating for the end of occupation in accordance with international statutes and US resolutions. The humanitarian toll of the conflict is substantial, with reports from Gaza’s health ministry indicating that the prolonged Israeli military campaign, which has lasted over 13 months, has resulted in the deaths of at least 44,282 Palestinians and injuries to over 104,880 others.

The recent Israel-Lebanon ceasefire is a critical milestone in ongoing regional tensions stemming from Israel’s violent campaign against Gaza. As hostilities have persisted, Egypt has sought to mediate and promote stability while advocating for the resolution of the Palestinian statehood issue. The conflict has led to devastating humanitarian consequences, and there is an urgent call for political dialogue to address long-standing grievances.

In summary, Egypt has welcomed the ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon as a crucial step toward regional stability. The Egyptian government is keen on de-escalating the situation in Gaza and seeking a long-term resolution to the ongoing conflict. The humanitarian crisis arising from the 13-month Israeli military action necessitates an immediate and cohesive international response aimed at formalizing a viable peace process. Egypt’s role as a mediator could prove pivotal in shaping a constructive political dialogue.

Original Source: www.newarab.com