Ashraf AboArafe
Dr. Badr Abdelatty and Mr. Ishaq Dar held a phone conversation on Friday, February 13, to review fast-moving regional developments, placing the Palestinian cause and the situation in Gaza at the forefront of their discussions.
The two ministers stressed the urgent need to intensify coordinated regional and international efforts to ensure the implementation of the second phase of the U.S. President’s peace initiative. They underscored support for the proposed National Committee for Gaza Administration as a temporary transitional body tasked with managing the daily affairs of the enclave, paving the way for the Palestinian National Authority to fully resume its responsibilities in Gaza.
The call also addressed preparations for the upcoming Peace Council meeting scheduled in Washington. Both sides emphasized ongoing Arab and Islamic coordination ahead of the meeting, particularly regarding the full and non-selective implementation of the provisions outlined in President Donald Trump’s plan. They reaffirmed support for President Trump’s stated opposition to the annexation of the West Bank.
During the conversation, Minister Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s backing for the formation and deployment of an international stabilization force to monitor the ceasefire’s implementation. He stressed the imperative of ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access and called for Israel’s withdrawal from areas it currently controls inside Gaza.
Both ministers firmly rejected any attempts to separate Gaza from the West Bank or undermine the territorial unity of the Palestinian lands, emphasizing that preserving Palestinian territorial integrity remains a cornerstone of any sustainable political settlement.
Concluding their exchange, the two top diplomats agreed to maintain close consultation and coordination in the period ahead, as the region navigates multiple intersecting crises. They affirmed that de-escalation and the reduction of tensions remain paramount to safeguarding regional peace and stability.
