Egypt has welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, advocating for an end to the conflict in Gaza. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry stated that the deal supports regional de-escalation and emphasizes the importance of respecting national sovereignty. Hamas has also expressed readiness for a ceasefire, seeking mediation from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. Meanwhile, the ongoing violence has resulted in significant Palestinian casualties.
On Wednesday, Egypt expressed its approval of the newly established ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which commenced earlier that day, while simultaneously advocating for an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs articulated that this ceasefire could foster regional stability by implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which mandates the deployment of Lebanese troops in southern Lebanon to assert control over national territories.
Furthermore, the Ministry emphasized the essentiality of preserving Lebanon’s sovereignty, highlighting the urgency for reinforcing state institutions and conducting presidential elections based on national consensus, free from outside influence. The ceasefire agreement, mediated by the United States and France, came into effect at 4 AM local time in Beirut, concluding nearly 14 months of intermittent hostilities along the Lebanese-Israeli border that was exacerbated by Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Negotiations for a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza have met significant obstacles, primarily due to Israel’s resistance to proposed agreements, with the sole cessation of hostilities occurring during a week-long truce in late November 2023. In a parallel development, Hamas, the governing entity of Gaza, announced its openness to a ceasefire, indicating that senior officials have relayed this message to mediators in Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.
Egypt’s foreign ministry reiterated the crucial need to pursue a peaceful resolution in the region, asserting that military solutions are inadequate to address the complexities of regional crises. Cairo also highlighted the necessity of a structured political process aimed at establishing a sovereign Palestinian state, thereby ending the occupation in accordance with international laws and resolutions. This ongoing conflict has had a devastating impact, with the Gaza health ministry reporting at least 44,282 Palestinian fatalities and 104,880 injuries during the past 13 months of military confrontation.
The Israel-Lebanon ceasefire is part of a broader discourse surrounding the persistent conflict in the region, particularly the protracted conflict between Israel and Hamas. Since October 2022, exchanges of hostility have escalated, leading to heightened military actions and significant casualties on both sides. The international community has largely called for de-escalation and adherence to UN resolutions to facilitate peace and stability. Egypt, in its diplomatic role, has been seeking to mediate discussions to propose a lasting resolution to both the Lebanon and Gaza conflicts.
In conclusion, Egypt’s recent endorsement of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire underlines its commitment to regional peace and stability while pushing for an end to the hostilities in Gaza. The Egyptian government underscores the importance of respecting national sovereignty and adhering to international laws, which align with its ongoing efforts to mediate a lasting political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The dire humanitarian situation calls for urgent action to address the needs of affected populations in Gaza and Lebanon.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
