Egyptian and French officials have intensified diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need to end the conflict and prevent regional escalation. On August 17, 2024, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met with French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné in Cairo to discuss the ongoing crisis.Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, in a joint press conference with Séjourné, stated that ‘a ceasefire in Gaza is the essential element to stop the escalation in the region as part of a comprehensive agreement that ends the war’. Abdelatty highlighted the shared responsibility between Egypt and France in reducing tensions during this sensitive period.President el-Sisi warned that the continuation of the war in Gaza ‘leads the region to a vicious and dangerous cycle of instability’. He stressed the need for the international community to pressure for de-escalation and address the root causes of the conflict by establishing a Palestinian state and implementing the two-state solution.Séjourné praised Egypt’s vital role in joint mediation efforts with Qatar and the United States to reach an agreement for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange in Gaza. He emphasized that French President Emmanuel Macron has tasked him with a regional tour to contribute to efforts to reduce tensions.Both countries agreed on the immediate need for a ceasefire, stopping Israeli attacks, and increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza. They also discussed preparations for the upcoming Gaza negotiations scheduled to take place in Cairo. Abdelatty expressed hope that ‘if intentions are sincere and political will is provided, it is possible to reach an agreement on a ceasefire in Gaza’.The diplomatic push comes amid concerns of potential regional escalation, including worries about an Iranian strike on Israel in response to the assassination of former Hamas political bureau head, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran. The officials emphasized the importance of avoiding further regional conflict and focusing on a peaceful resolution to the Gaza crisis.
Key points
- Egypt and France are actively pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza to prevent regional escalation.
- Upcoming negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire are scheduled to take place in Cairo.
- Both countries stress the need for increased humanitarian aid and implementation of a two-state solution.
Contradictions👾There are slight variations in the spelling of the French Foreign Minister’s name across sources, appearing as Stéphane Séjourné, Stephane Sejourne, and Stéphane Le Foll.
