Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry warned Sunday of dire humanitarian and security consequences of Israel’s escalatory policies against the Palestinian people in Gaza.
He precisely denounced the continued raids, the siege and the forced displacement of the Palestinian people, noting that such practices are in violation of the international humanitarian law.
Egypt categorically rejects such practices or any attempts to terminate the Palestinian cause at the expense of the region, Shoukry said during a meeting with visiting Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib earlier today.
Lahbib is in Egypt to coordinate stances with Egyptian officials regarding the military escalation in Gaza, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid.
The two top diplomats exchanged views about the humanitarian and field conditions in Gaza, with focus on urgent needs to deliver aid to residents in the Strip, he added.
They stressed the importance of reaching a humanitarian truce to be able to provide protection for civilians and easily deliver relief aid to the enclave, Abu Zeid noted.
Shourky was pleased with Belgium’s support for the Arab resolution at the UN General Assembly, calling for a humanitarian truce in Gaza, the spokesman said.
Brussels made the right decision to support peace in order to stop the bloodshed and protect civilians, Shoukry told Lahbib.
They also discussed risks of expanding the conflict in the region, and the regional and international efforts exerted to prevent this scenario, the spokesman said.
Lahbib said her country is well aware of the volume of challenges facing Egypt as a result of the crisis in Gaza.
Belgium seeks to listen to Egypt’s opinion on how to support the Palestinian cause and revive the peace process, she added.
The two foreign ministers agreed to continue negotiations over the coming days to promote internationally-tailored efforts to contain the crisis, the spokesman made it clear.
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