Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty stressed the importance of regional and international coordination to halt ongoing escalation and prevent further expansion of the conflict. During a phone call on Thursday with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, he warned of the grave implications of continued military escalation on the security and stability of the region. Abdel-Aty reaffirmed that there is no alternative to political and diplomatic solutions aimed at de-escalation, a ceasefire, and the resumption of negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme. He also emphasised that the current military escalation must not distract from the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank. He highlighted the importance of resuming the ceasefire and outlined Egypt's role, in coordination with Qatar and the United States. He called for alleviating Palestinian suffering, ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid, and reviving the political track for the Palestinian cause, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the two-state solution. Abdel-Aty expressed hope that more European countries would recognise the State of Palestine, describing such recognition as a key pillar for achieving lasting peace, security, and stability in the Middle East. The French minister commended Egypt's efforts to contain the current escalation and praised its constructive role on the Palestinian issue. Both sides agreed to continue consultations and jointly explore diplomatic paths to calm tensions in the region. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
