Discussions Between Egyptian and US Diplomats on Gaza and Syrian Affairs
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Cairo, Jan 6 (NationPress) Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty conducted a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, focusing on the ongoing developments in the Gaza Strip and Syria, as reported by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.
During the discussions that took place on Saturday evening, Abdelatty highlighted the necessity of sustaining regional and global efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and to facilitate unobstructed access to humanitarian assistance for the area, according to the statement.
The Egyptian foreign minister underscored the urgency for Israel to cease its aggressive strategies against the Palestinian populace, firmly rejecting Israel's systematic attacks on health facilities and hospitals in Gaza, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
In response to a violent incident initiated by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of nearly 250 individuals, Israel has engaged in a relentless military campaign in Gaza.
Since that time, the conflict has claimed the lives of 45,805 Palestinians and left 109,064 injured, according to the latest figures provided by Gaza's health authorities on Sunday. A report from the UN human rights office in November indicated that of the 8,119 victims verified from November 2023 to April 2024, around 70 percent were women and children.
The US Department of State conveyed that Blinken and Abdelatty discussed the latest efforts to establish a ceasefire in Gaza that would facilitate the release of hostages, enhance the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and ultimately conclude the ongoing war.
The two diplomats also covered the political transition in Syria following the collapse of former President Bashar al-Assad's regime in early December 2024.
Abdelatty called for a thorough political transition process that is free from any external influences, aiming to foster security and stability in Syria while ensuring its unity and territorial integrity, as per Egypt's Foreign Ministry.
Blinken reiterated US support for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned peaceful political transition leading to a representative and accountable government, as stated by the US, while expressing gratitude for Egypt's ongoing role in promoting peace in the region.
