Ashraf AboArafe
Ambassador Ahmed Abu Zeid, the official spokesman and Director of the Public Diplomacy Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Mr. Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs, received on Thursday, October 19, James Cleverly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth Affairs and Development of the United Kingdom, as part of a regional tour undertaken by the British Foreign Secretary to consult with his counterparts. On developments in the military escalation in Gaza, attempts to reduce escalation and calm, and coordination on ways to address the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip.
The Foreign Ministry spokesman revealed that the discussions witnessed an extensive and frank exchange of views and assessments about the current crisis, and ways and opportunities to overcome it, as Mr. Sameh Shoukry stressed the need to push for coordinated international efforts to urge the parties to give priority to the path of calm and immediate cessation of escalation, stressing the importance of refraining from targeting civilians. In commitment to implementing the provisions of international and humanitarian law, as well as avoiding the risks of extending the cycle of violence and expanding the conflict to other regions in the region, in order to preserve regional and international peace and security.
Ambassador Ahmed Abu Zeid added that the two ministers focused their discussions on the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip, where there was agreement on the importance and priority of delivering humanitarian and relief aid to the people of Gaza in light of the current crisis, and that it be implemented in a sustainable and safe manner.
In a related context, Minister Shukri warned of the repercussions of the continuation of Israeli military operations on the further deterioration of the humanitarian conditions, as well as the devastating effects of the policy of collective punishment, such as siege or forced displacement, stressing the need for the international community to assume its responsibility in providing the necessary protection for civilians.
For his part, the British Foreign Minister expressed his appreciation for the efforts made by Egypt at all levels to reduce the escalation between the Israeli and Palestinian sides, and to try to contain the crisis and its humanitarian repercussions, especially coordinating international efforts to deliver humanitarian aid. He also welcomed Egypt’s initiative to call for a peace summit, wishing it success in proposing solutions to stop the current escalation and deal with the future.
The Foreign Ministry spokesman concluded his statements by noting that Minister Shukri reaffirmed during the discussions the necessity of dealing with the root causes of today’s crisis situation, most notably the loss of hope and the blockage of the political horizon for a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue, explaining that achieving peace in the region is a strategic necessity and the choice of the peoples. In the Middle East region.
