Ashraf AboArafe
Ambassador Ahmed Abu Zeid, the official spokesman and Director of the Public Diplomacy Department at the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Mr. Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs, received a phone call from Mr. Anthony Blinken, Secretary of State of the United States of America, on the evening of Friday, March 8, within the framework of follow-up consultation and coordination between Egypt and the United States regarding developments. Gaza Strip crisis.
The official spokesman for the State Department stated that the contact between the two ministers discussed in detail the ongoing joint efforts aimed at reaching a truce in the Gaza Strip to reach a permanent ceasefire, and the efforts made to reach a deal to exchange prisoners and detainees, as the United States Secretary of State expressed his country’s full appreciation for the efforts. Egypt’s efforts to mediate between Israel and Hamas, and its ongoing efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
Ambassador Abu Zeid added that Minister Shukri listened to a briefing from his American counterpart regarding the American decision to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip via the sea corridor, which he explained was a complementary effort to the Rafah land crossing, which remains the primary port of entry for aid, as well as American efforts to support negotiations on the exchange of aid. Detainees. In this context, Shukri stressed the need to intensify all efforts to reach a comprehensive ceasefire as it is the ultimate goal on which international efforts must be focused to stop the blood of Palestinian civilians. He also stressed the inevitability of implementing Security Council Resolution No. 2720 regarding the work of the United Nations mechanism for coordination and monitoring. Entry of aid, and overcoming the obstacles imposed by Israel in this regard.
On the other hand, the discussions between the two ministers touched on the dangerous developments taking place in the southern Red Sea region, and the threat they pose to international trade movement in this strategic international shipping lane, as Minister Shukri reiterated his warning of the dangerous and increasing regional repercussions of completely expanding the scope of conflict in the region. It threatens the stability, safety and interests of many countries.
The official spokesman concluded his statements, revealing that the Foreign Minister repeated the warning in his call with Minister Blinken of the dangers of any military operation in the city of Rafah due to its catastrophic humanitarian consequences, and Egypt’s complete rejection of attempts to displace the Palestinian people outside their lands, as this constitutes a grave violation of the rules and provisions of international law and an attempt to… Desperate to liquidate the Palestinian cause.
The two ministers agreed to continue coordination and consultation and to keep communication channels open during the coming days to support mediation efforts and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
