Egypt and Greece have called for a cease-fire in Gaza and stabilization of the cease-fire with Lebanon during a summit in Cairo, amidst ongoing violence resulting in thousands of deaths since October 2023. The leaders reiterated the need for humanitarian access and discussed broader regional issues, including ongoing tensions in Libya and Syria. They urged adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 1701 to address violations in Lebanon.
On Wednesday, Egypt and Greece emphasized the urgent need for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and the stabilization of a fragile truce in Lebanon. This appeal was made during a meeting between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Cairo, taking place alongside the 10th Trilateral Cooperation Mechanism Summit involving Egypt, Greece, and the Greek Cypriot Administration. The leaders expressed their commitment to facilitating humanitarian access in Gaza and advocated for progress towards a two-state solution, as conveyed in a statement from the Egyptian presidency.
The ongoing conflict has led to significant casualties, with reports indicating over 45,900 deaths, primarily among women and children, since the onset of hostilities on October 7, 2023. This surge in violence persists amidst calls for a cease-fire from the United Nations Security Council, which have so far been disregarded by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Additionally, discussions between the two leaders encompassed broader regional matters, including the complex situations in Libya, Syria, and Sudan.
In relation to Lebanon, President Sisi and Prime Minister Mitsotakis advocated for the reinforcement of the current cease-fire arrangement with Israel and emphasized the importance of adhering to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which seeks to halt hostilities and establish a demilitarized zone between Israeli and Lebanese forces. Since the resolution’s enactment in November, over 400 reported Israeli violations have resulted in numerous casualties among civilians.
The ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip has escalated dramatically since October 2023, leading to a humanitarian crisis marked by widespread loss of life and suffering. International calls for a cease-fire have intensified in response to reports of high civilian casualties, particularly affecting women and children. Simultaneously, the security situation in Lebanon remains precarious, with a history of tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. UN Security Council Resolution 1701 aims to provide a framework for peace, yet violations continue to undermine its effectiveness. Recent meetings among regional leaders highlight the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to stabilize both Gaza and Lebanon.
The discussions between Egypt and Greece underscore the pressing need for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and the stabilization of the Lebanon-Israel truce. As casualties mount and the humanitarian situation deteriorates, these calls reflect a broader regional concern for peace and security. The commitment of Egyptian and Greek leadership to uphold international resolutions emphasizes the importance of collaborative diplomatic efforts in addressing ongoing conflicts in the region.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
