The importance of international cooperation to end conflicts in the Middle East
During a recent meeting between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the need for the Security Council to assume its responsibilities in resolving the conflict in the Gaza Strip was highlighted. underlined. The President called for an end to hostilities and the protection of civilians, warning of the consequences of some countries ceasing their support for UNRWA, thereby acting as collective punishment against innocent Palestinians.
During this meeting, various international and regional issues were discussed, with a particular focus on the evolving situation in the Gaza Strip. President Sisi highlighted efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire, facilitating the exchange of detainees and the provision of humanitarian aid, whether by land in coordination with UN agencies or by airdrops, particularly in areas north of the Gaza Strip.
The United Nations Secretary-General expressed his deep appreciation for Egypt’s crucial role as a pillar of regional stability. He praised Egypt’s sustained efforts to work towards a ceasefire in Gaza, as well as its willingness to keep the Rafah border crossing open since the start of the current crisis.
In a broader context, the Egyptian Foreign Minister highlighted the major role of the United Nations in alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people. He highlighted the importance of different UN agencies, including UNRWA and the World Food Program, in this context.
Finally, the discussions also addressed regional and international efforts to support the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, in line with the Arab Peace Initiative. These negotiations highlighted the need to prevent the displacement of Palestinian populations and to entrust management of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank to the Palestinian Authority.
This meeting thus highlighted the importance of international cooperation to resolve conflicts in the Middle East and guarantee the protection of civilian populations.