Egyptian-Saudi FMs Discusses Jerusalem Developments

On Monday, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed the latest developments regarding the city of Jerusalem and the close bilateral relations between the two countries in a telephone call with the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, according to the Egyptian foreign ministry.

The two diplomats also discussed and reviewed a number of regional issues and files of mutual interest between the two countries.

In this regard, Shoukry and his counterpart condemned Israel for undermining Palestinian rights as days of clashes in Jerusalem erupted into an exchange of fire between Israel and Gaza, according to the Egyptian foreign ministry spokesman Ahmed Hafez.

The two ministers called upon Israeli authorities to stop all actions that violate the sanctity of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and to provide protection to Palestinian civilians in East Jerusalem, including in the Sheikh Jarrah district.

In the same context, the two Arabian officials called on the Israeli authorities to end house demolitions which leave thousands of Palestinians living in daily fear of eviction from their homes. They also called on Israel to assume its responsibility regarding these rapid and dangerous developments, “which will lead to more tension and escalation.”

Also in this regard, the two countries have previously affirmed that the international community must actively assist the two sides to resume peace negotiations and advance towards the realization of the two-State solution.