OPEN// FM to MENA: Egypt continues efforts for immediate ceasefire, aid delivery in Gaza
This came in response to a question by Middle East News Agency (MENA) regarding Egypt's efforts and reports about a new Egyptian-Qatari proposal for a truce and ceasefire and the latest developments in mediation efforts, especially in light of Israel's continued aggression and targeting of civilians.
The remarks were made during a joint press conference held on Monday with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Côte d'Ivoire Leon Kacou Adom on Monday.
The foreign minister added, "Egypt's efforts are ongoing. The starting point is the rejection of Israeli aggression, military operations, and threats of expansion—these are completely unacceptable, and the international community stands firmly against them."
He noted that intensive communications are being conducted under the directives of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi with all key regional and international partners—most notably the United States and the European Union.
He continued, "We are pushing for the resumption of negotiations, and there is still a possibility—if intentions are sincere and political will exists—to reach a comprehensive agreement that ends this war. Of course, such an agreement must ensure the release of all hostages, allow full access for humanitarian aid, and pave the way for a genuine political process. Without a political horizon or a roadmap leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state, there is no guarantee that violence and repeated Israeli aggression won't recur.'
He went on to say this is the fifth round of killing and destruction. That's why all our efforts are now concentrated on securing an immediate ceasefire, ensuring aid delivery, and preventing any further reckless Israeli decisions to expand the war or occupy Gaza. Once that is achieved, we will convene the Cairo International Conference for Early Recovery and Reconstruction of Gaza, which will also aim to launch a political process and define a clear timeline to realize the Palestinian state.
The foreign minister emphasized that Egypt has repeatedly stated that if there is a clear political horizon and roadmap toward a Palestinian state, it has no objection to the deployment of international forces to enable the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people to realize their state, build its institutions, and ensure security for all parties—including Israel.
He stressed that this is the core focus of Egypt's efforts and communications with all regional and international stakeholders, including recent talks with the foreign ministers of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United States, and others—all aimed at reaching an immediate ceasefire. (MENA)
Y R E/R G E
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CairoScene
2 hours ago
- CairoScene
AD: Tracking the Growth of Egypt's New Capital
AD: Tracking the Growth of Egypt's New Capital With ministries, universities, cultural landmarks, and growing residential communities in place, the New Capital is preparing for Phase 2. Fifty kilometres east of Cairo, Egypt's New Capital is shifting from an ambitious blueprint to a functioning urban centre. Conceived as part of a broader national plan to expand and modernise the country's urban footprint, the city now houses ministries, universities, cultural landmarks, and a growing residential population—while laying the groundwork for its next phase. The master developer is the Administrative Capital for Urban Development (ACUD), a joint stock company operating under the Egyptian Tax Authority. ACUD is self-financed, carries no debt, and is responsible for overseeing the capital's phased development, infrastructure, and urban planning. Phase 1, which covers the government district, major residential zones, and core infrastructure, is 70% complete and operational. Around 25,000 families live in the city, alongside 50,000 government employees, 12,000 university students, and 20,000 school pupils. The Egyptian Cabinet has operated from here for two years, with all ministries now based in purpose-built offices. Education has emerged as a cornerstone of the New Capital's development. Six universities are already in operation—including the University of Hertfordshire, Egypt University of Informatics, the European Universities in Egypt, the Universities of Canada in Egypt, the German International University, and The Knowledge Hub. School options range from the Nile Egyptian International Schools to the Royal Canadian School-Cairo, New Capital English Schools, Cadmus International Schools, Citadel International School, and NIS by Dr. Nermien Ismail. Civic and cultural landmarks have also taken shape. The City of Arts and Culture has hosted concerts from Egyptian soprano Amira Selim and international artists such as Michael Bublè. Egypt's Islamic Cultural Center and the Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ stand as architectural and symbolic anchors for the city. Connectivity, often a critical measure of a new city's viability, has been prioritised. The New Capital links to Cairo and New Cairo through an expanded road network, with the Light Rail Transit (LRT) already operational and the Monorail set to follow. Inside the city, an internal bus network connects to LRT and Monorail stops, supplemented by New Capital Cab and ride-hailing services like Uber, Careem, Indrive, and Didi. From the city centre, New Cairo is a 30-minute drive; central Cairo takes around 90 minutes. The city's lifestyle offering continues to expand, from hospitality like St. Regis Almasa New Capital to wellness, leisure, and retail spaces. Public services, including hospitals and municipal facilities, are being integrated alongside residential and commercial developments. With Phase 2 now in the master planning stage, the New Capital is positioned to scale further—adding new districts, facilities, and transport links. For Egypt, it is both a statement of intent and a long-term investment in reshaping how its cities grow. For those already living, working, and studying here, it is a place not in theory, but in practice.
Egypt Independent
3 hours ago
- Egypt Independent
French president calls for UN mission into Gaza, slams Israel's plan to expand war
French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday called for a United Nations 'stabilization' mission to protect the civilian population in Gaza and disarm Hamas, as international outrage grows around Israel's planned military takeover of Gaza City. Israel's announced expansion of the conflict constitutes 'a disaster of unprecedented gravity and a headlong rush into permanent war. The Israeli hostages and the people of Gaza will continue to be the first victims of this strategy,' Macron said in a statement. The French leader's appeal echoes a document signed by 17 countries, the European Union and the Arab League in July that called for such a mission, if requested by the Palestinian Authority. The temporary force, for which some signatories were ready to provide troops, would protect the civilian population, monitor any future peace agreement and oversee the transfer of security responsibilities to the PA in Gaza. 'This war must end now with a permanent ceasefire,' the French president said, calling on the UN Security Council, of which France is a permanent member, to establish such a peacekeeping force. 'It is the only credible way to begin to emerge from the permanent war and rebuild peace and security for all,' Macron said. Other European leaders call for peace: Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said Monday that the war in Gaza 'must stop,' adding that 'journalists must be allowed to do their work safely and without interference' and calling for a ceasefire. Tanja Fajon, Slovenia's foreign minister, spoke out about the killings of several Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza Monday. The killings are 'unacceptable and shameful,' she said on social media, adding that 'attacking journalists is attacking freedom of the press. Attacking the truth.'
Egypt Independent
3 hours ago
- Egypt Independent
Israel says it is in talks with several countries about taking in displaced Palestinians
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says talks are underway with several countries about taking in Palestinians displaced by the war in Gaza. The countries involved are South Sudan, Somaliland, Ethiopia, Libya, and Indonesia, a senior Israeli official told CNN. In exchange for taking in some of Gaza's population of more than two million people, the official said the countries are looking for 'significant financial and international compensation.' On Wednesday, South Sudan rejected an Associated Press report that it was in discussions about the resettlement of Palestinians, saying in a statement the reports were 'baseless and do not reflect the official position' of the country. Earlier this year, Somaliland also said there were no such talks. And last week, Indonesia said it was ready to take in 2,000 Palestinians from Gaza for treatment but that they would return to Gaza once they recovered. It's unclear how advanced any of these discussions are and whether they are likely to come to fruition. Netanyahu has never given a detailed vision of what will happen to Gaza after the war but has repeatedly advocated for resettling displaced Palestinians in other countries, particularly after President Donald Trump floated the idea early this year. But even as Trump appears to be cooling on the proposal, Israeli officials have embraced it. In an interview published on Tuesday, Netanyahu said, 'we are talking to several countries' without naming them. Netanyahu claimed in the interview with Israeli network i24 that the plan was 'not pushing out' Palestinians but would instead be 'allowing them to leave.' 'All those who say they're concerned for the Palestinians and want to help Palestinians,' Netanyahu said should 'open their doors.' 'Why are they coming and preaching to us?! Open your doors,' he added. Israeli soldiers work near tanks in a gathering point near the border with the Gaza Strip, in Southern Israel, Israel on comments come as international alarm grows over Israel's stated plan to take over Gaza City, home to more than one million Palestinians, including many already displaced by the war. The densely populated city has continued to be hit by Israeli strikes with at least 123 people killed over the last 24 hours across Gaza, according to a tally on Wednesday from the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry. More than 100 humanitarian organisations meanwhile called on Israel to end what they called the weaponization of aid in Gaza, saying vital relief was not being allowed in while the territory is gripped by starvation. Shaina Low, Communications Adviser for the Norwegian Refugee Council, said any plans to relocate Palestinians, whether within Gaza or to foreign countries, was 'a non-starter.' 'They aren't acceptable under international law. They aren't acceptable to Palestinians. And they should not be acceptable to the international community,' Low told CNN. A 'Greater Israel' During the interview, Netanyahu was also asked by i24News network anchor Sharon Gal whether the prime minister 'connects' to the vision of a 'Greater Israel,' to which he responded, 'Very much.' The term 'Greater Israel' refers to a state of Israel that is beyond the borders that exist today. It is also often used as a reference to Biblical Israel, which would include parts of today's Egypt, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon. The comments were greeted by sharp statements from several Arab states, which condemned the use of the term as provocative and counterproductive to peace. Egypt 'demanded clarifications' on the use of the term, 'given its implications of provoking instability and reflecting a rejection of the pursuit of peace in the region, as well as an insistence on escalation,' according to a foreign ministry statement. Saudi Arabia said it 'expresses its outright rejection of the settlement and expansionist plans adopted by the Israeli occupation authorities.' Qatar said the use of the term is considered 'an extension of the occupation's approach based on arrogance, fuelling crises and conflicts, and blatantly infringing the sovereignty of states.' Gal and Netanyahu's conversation about 'Greater Israel' did not appear on the official channel's full interview, but a longer version with Netanyahu's comments was posted on Gal's account on X.
