Ashraf AboArafe
Ambassador Ahmed Abu Zeid, the official spokesman and Director of the Public Diplomacy Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that, on Tuesday, March 26, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sameh Shoukry, received a phone call from Mr. Mehul Martin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense of the Republic of Ireland, to consult on developments. The current crisis in the Gaza Strip in its various dimensions, and efforts to cease fire and contain the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Strip.
Ambassador Abu Zeid explained that the two ministers exchanged the results of their contacts with various regional and international parties on ways to end the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. The two ministers also discussed developments related to the Security Council’s adoption yesterday of a ceasefire resolution in the Gaza Strip during the month of Ramadan, and international efforts to achieve immediate implementation of the resolution and build on it to reach a permanent ceasefire, end the war in the Strip, and prevent any Israeli moves to launch a military attack on the city of Rafah in the southern Strip. Gaza. In the same context, Minister Shukri was keen to inform his Irish counterpart of the results of the contacts carried out by Egypt to achieve mediation between Hamas and Israel to reach a truce that would lead to a permanent ceasefire.
The official spokesman added that the call also witnessed an exchange of assessments about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, where Minister Shukri reviewed the field situation regarding the access of humanitarian aid through the Rafah crossing, stressing the necessity of joining international efforts to pressure Israel to enhance the access of humanitarian aid through the Rafah crossing. Humanitarian aid urgently and sustainably, opening land crossings between Israel and the Gaza Strip, and removing all obstacles to the arrival of aid to all areas of the Gaza Strip, including northern Gaza.
For his part, Martin briefed Minister Shukri on the results of his contacts with a number of European countries regarding considering recognition of the Palestinian state, stressing that the only way to achieve security and stability in the Middle East region is through implementing the two-state solution and establishing an independent Palestinian state living side by side. Side by side with Israel in peace and security. He also expressed his appreciation for the efforts made by Egypt to resolve this crisis situation, stressing his country’s readiness to provide all forms of support for these efforts to restore stability in the region.
The Foreign Ministry spokesman concluded his statements, noting Minister Sameh Shukri’s keenness to praise Ireland’s positions in support of the Palestinian cause in various international forums. He also welcomed the consideration of Ireland and a number of European countries in recognizing the Palestinian state, as a first step towards approving Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations and establishing An independent Palestinian state on the borders of June 4, 1967, and achieving comprehensive and just peace in the region.
