Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry Friday called for an end to the current stalemate between the Palestinians and the Israelis.
During a telephone conversation with Israel’s new foreign minister Yair Lapid, Shoukry said this should be done in order to launch a comprehensive negotiating process between the Palestinians and the Israelis.
This process has to boost regional stability, Shoukry said, adding that Egypt would continue to back efforts for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, in the light of international law and relevant Security Council resolutions.
Egypt has been working hard to bring the Palestinians and the Israelis back to the negotiating table and end tensions in the Palestinian territories.
President Sisi called for finding a negotiated settlement to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict several times in the past years, highlighting the high cost of war.
Egypt succeeded in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and factions in the Palestinian Gaza Strip on May 21, following 11 days of fighting between the two sides.
During these 11 days, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza caused massive devastation in the coastal territory and left hundreds of residents dead and injured.
Egypt pledged $500 million in support for the reconstruction of the Palestinian territory. Egyptian building equipment has already entered Gaza in Sinai and is now clearing the rubble in preparation for starting the Egyptian reconstruction effort. Egypt is hoping that other members of the international community will follow suit.
However, Cairo wants to turn the May 21 ceasefire into a launch pad for a comprehensive process to settle the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
The Egyptian capital hosted representatives of Gaza’s factions early this month in its bid to bring them together in preparation for inviting the Israelis for peace talks.
In his phone conversation with Foreign Minister Lapid, Shoukry warning that escalation of current tensions could make things worse.
He also called for pushing Gaza’s reconstruction efforts forward and backing development efforts in all Palestinian territories.
Egypt is ready to take practical and serious steps to bring about peace and security to the region, Shoukry said.
