CAIRO, June 17 (MENA) – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriates Badr Abdelatty warned on Tuesday of the grave risks posed by the continued military escalation between Israel and Iran, saying it could severely undermine regional security and stability.

In a phone call with Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign and Defense Minister Simon Harris, the two sides discussed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, as well as the broader implications of the ongoing escalation between Israel and Iran.

Abdelatty reviewed Egypt’s intensified efforts to restore a ceasefire in Gaza, secure the release of captives and detainees, and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to alleviate suffering in the enclave. He reaffirmed Egypt’s complete rejection of what he called Israel’s policy of starvation and collective punishment, describing it as a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.

He also condemned Israeli military operations in the West Bank and ongoing incursions by Israeli settlers.

The top Egyptian diplomat praised Ireland’s principled stance on the Palestinian cause, stressing the urgent need to revive a political horizon that leads to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on a two-state solution, and guarantees the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.

Abdelatty expressed hope that other European countries would follow Ireland in recognizing the State of Palestine, describing such recognition as a cornerstone for achieving peace in the Middle East.

The ministers also discussed rapid developments in the region and Abdelatty emphasized that there is no alternative to political and diplomatic solutions, warning that military force would only further inflame the regional situation. He stressed the importance of de-escalation, a ceasefire, and resumption of negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.

Both ministers agreed that the ongoing military escalation in the region must not distract from the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza and the West Bank, and called for intensified efforts to swiftly re-establish a ceasefire and ease the humanitarian crisis facing the Palestinian people.
(MENA)
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