Egypt's FM Warns of Full-Scale War Amid Lebanon Escalation

Dr. Badr Abdel Atty, Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Migration, issued a stark warning today about the risks of escalating tensions in Lebanon, which could destabilize the region and lead to a full-scale war. This statement was made during a joint press conference with his Jordanian counterpart, Ayman Safadi, at the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.

During the conference, Abdel Atty emphasized the importance of international recognition of the Palestinian state. He also highlighted the crucial role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which remains indispensable for carrying out numerous tasks in the Gaza Strip. Abdel Atty called for robust support for UNRWA, in accordance with the General Assembly’s resolution, and stressed the need to avoid double standards in addressing humanitarian relief issues.

Abdel Atty condemned the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, describing them as a blemish on the international legal system. He reiterated Egypt’s complete rejection of Israel's control over the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing, which has resulted in the obstruction of aid to Gaza and exacerbated the humanitarian disaster faced by Palestinians.

The Egyptian Foreign Minister also denounced Israel's systematic policies that push Palestinians to evacuate parts of Gaza. He underscored the alignment between Egypt and Jordan in their commitment to continuing joint efforts to seriously pursue a ceasefire in Gaza. Abdel Atty noted that Egyptian and Jordanian perspectives and positions on the developments in Gaza are closely aligned.

The Israeli occupation continues its unprecedented and intense aggression on the Gaza Strip by air, land, and sea, resulting in thousands of casualties, most of whom are children and women. Many bodies remain trapped under the rubble due to ongoing bombings and perilous conditions on the ground. The situation is exacerbated by a severe blockade on the strip and stringent restrictions on the entry of fuel and critical aid needed to alleviate the catastrophic humanitarian situation.