EGYPT initiated diplomatic discussions with both Israelis and Palestinians as hostilities in the region escalated on Sunday.
Following a significant attack by Hamas that prompted retaliatory airstrikes from Israel, the Egyptian Presidency disclosed that President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi had engaged in a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron to deliberate on efforts aimed at de-escalation.
Egypt, in an official statement, affirmed its commitment to conducting intensive dialogues with Israeli and Palestinian parties, along with engaging regional and international stakeholders, in an effort to quell the current upsurge in tensions. However, specific details regarding these talks were not disclosed.
President Sisi issued a stern warning against allowing the region to descend into a perilous cycle of tension, emphasizing the risk it poses to regional stability and security.
In addition to diplomatic efforts, Egypt urged both Palestinians and Israelis to exercise restraint and prevent further endangerment of civilian lives.
The Israeli Health Ministry reported that Hamas’s extensive rocket attacks and infiltration near the Gaza Strip on Saturday resulted in the tragic loss of over 300 Israeli lives and left more than 1,500 people injured.
In response, Israel launched airstrikes in Gaza, resulting in the casualties of over 230 Palestinians and injuries to hundreds more, as confirmed by the Palestinian Health Ministry.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is now in a state of war with Hamas and subsequently called upon Gaza’s civilian population to evacuate, as the Israeli military was prepared to dismantle “all Hamas hiding places.”
Source Anadulo
(ai/mnm)