Egypt Vows to End Bloodshed, Push for Ceasefire Amid Gaza Conflict

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Atty reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to working with the United States and Qatar to stop the bloodshed and end Israeli aggression against Palestinians. He highlighted that the current deadlock in negotiations stems from a lack of political will, with fabricated obstacles and excuses emerging just as solutions seem within reach.

Speaking on Egypt’s stance, Abdel-Atty made it clear that Egypt will not allow any military presence at the Rafah border crossing or along the Philadelphi Corridor. He also emphasized that Egypt is committed to maintaining the operational guidelines of the Rafah crossing as they were before October 7th. "Egypt's position is firm, and we will not deviate from it," the foreign minister said.

Abdel-Atty also addressed the ongoing Israeli attacks in Lebanon, warning that these actions are further hindering negotiations and pushing the region closer to a full-scale war.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi during his visit to Cairo. The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Abdel-Atty, Intelligence Chief Abbas Kamel, and U.S. Ambassador to Cairo, Herro Mustafa Garg.

During the meeting, Blinken conveyed President Joe Biden’s appreciation for Egypt’s vital role in restoring regional stability. President El-Sisi reciprocated the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the U.S.-Egypt strategic partnership in safeguarding mutual interests and reinforcing regional security.

The talks also focused on the situation in the Palestinian territories, where both sides discussed ways to advance ceasefire negotiations, facilitate the release of hostages and detainees, and ensure the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza.