France Hails Egypt Fundamental Role in Ending Hostilities in Gaza

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian hailed on Friday Egypt’s fundamental role in reaching the ceasefire in Gaza.

"I welcome the cessation of hostilities which occurred overnight, interrupting a cycle of violence with a heavy human toll for the civilian populations," Le Drian said in a statement.

In the same context, Le Drian stated that the unconditional cessation of hostilities was the result of the collective diplomatic efforts of the Europeans, Americans as well as several Arab countries.

"We played our full part in it by coordinating our bilateral efforts, particularly with the United States, Egypt, and Jordan, and contributing to the pressure to achieve this result, especially at the Security Council," the French minister said.

"I pay tribute in particular to Egypt’s fundamental role in enabling the weapons to fall silent," he stressed.

Moreover, the minister asserted that the truce must be prolonged through lasting ceasefire arrangements.

He reiterated that it must enable a humanitarian re-engagement to meet the needs of the population, particularly in Gaza. In addition, it shall be accompanied by a calming of tension throughout the Palestinian Territories and in Israel.

"The escalation of recent days underlines the need for a genuine political process to be relaunched between the parties with the appropriate international support," the minister noted.

In this manner, he affirmed that France is determined to play its full role in these efforts, in conjunction with its international partners.