Dr. Badr Abdel Aati, Egypt’s Foreign Minister, announced Egypt and Qatar’s collaborative role, alongside the U.S., in advancing negotiations for the Gaza ceasefire’s second phase. They aim to secure commitments from both parties, particularly Israel, while emphasizing the importance of ongoing humanitarian efforts and the release of hostages. The Arab Summit highlighted the urgency of adhering to the agreement for lasting peace.
Dr. Badr Abdel Aati, the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, stated that Egypt and Qatar share a collaborative responsibility, alongside the United States, to exert pressure for negotiations regarding the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. His comments were made during an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), where he emphasized that joint efforts led to the successful January implementation of the first phase of a three-stage ceasefire plan, while expressing concerns over one side potentially neglecting its commitments.
Abdel Aati highlighted the importance of fulfilling obligations by both parties to the ceasefire agreement, reiterating that the Israeli side particularly needs to comply with its commitments for the agreement to advance through all three phases. He stressed that the implementation requires sincere adherence from each side, which is essential for lasting peace.
Moreover, he pointed out that Egypt and Qatar depend on the American government to facilitate the execution of the agreed terms and to promptly initiate the negotiation process for the second phase. He acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Trump administration in securing the initial ceasefire agreement, even prior to taking office.
The Egyptian official further noted progress in the release of hostages, urging that efforts must persist to ensure the complete release of all individuals held in Gaza. In return, Israel is expected to uphold its commitments, particularly regarding the comprehensive provision of humanitarian assistance, medical care, and housing for those affected, as well as the release of a predetermined number of Palestinian prisoners.
The recent Arab Summit in Cairo indicated that completing the second and third phases of the Gaza ceasefire agreement is of utmost priority. The Summit’s statement underscored the necessity for both parties to fulfill their pledges, especially the obligations of Israel, to achieve a permanent cessation of hostilities and an eventual withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
In summary, Dr. Badr Abdel Aati’s remarks underscore a hopeful yet cautious outlook regarding the negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. With the collaborative efforts of Egypt and Qatar, and the anticipated involvement of the United States, there is a concerted effort to ensure all parties fulfill their commitments. The completion of this agreement remains critical to achieving lasting peace and humanitarian relief in the region.
Original Source: www.gulf-times.com
