On November 1, 2023, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called for a cease-fire in Gaza and stabilization of the cease-fire in Lebanon during the 10th Trilateral Cooperation Mechanism Summit. The appeal aims to facilitate humanitarian access and uphold UN resolutions amid ongoing violence that has resulted in significant casualties.
On November 1, 2023, during a significant meeting held in Cairo at the 10th Trilateral Cooperation Mechanism Summit, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis issued a joint appeal for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and sought to stabilize the existing cease-fire between Lebanon and Israel. Both leaders emphasized the necessity of a cease-fire to facilitate humanitarian aid access to Gaza and promote a viable two-state solution to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The urgency of their call arose in the context of continual violence in Gaza, where the Israeli military actions since October 7, 2023, have tragically resulted in over 45,900 fatalities, predominantly among women and children. This escalated conflict persisted despite a United Nations Security Council resolution advocating for an immediate cease-fire. Additionally, mediation attempts to establish a cease-fire or engage in a prisoner exchange have stalled due to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ongoing military campaign.
The discussions between President Sisi and Prime Minister Mitsotakis extended beyond Gaza, addressing broader regional issues, including the situations in Libya, Syria, and Sudan. Regarding Lebanon, the leaders reiterated the importance of consolidating a fragile cease-fire arrangement between Israel and Hezbollah and endorsed the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. This resolution, established in 2006, mandates a halt to hostilities and the creation of a demilitarized zone along the border, controlled by the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL forces. Since its adoption, a troubling number of Israeli violations have occurred, leading to casualties and heightened tensions in the region.
The current circumstances in Gaza and Lebanon are critically influenced by a combination of historical conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by ongoing violence. The recent escalation in Gaza has been marked by severe military operations initiated by Israel in response to attacks from militant groups, leading to grave humanitarian implications. Concurrently, the delicate cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon remains unstable, following numerous reported violations that threaten regional security. The calls for cease-fire by Egypt and Greece highlight their intent to advocate for peace and stability in a region plagued by conflict.
In summary, the collaborative dialogue between Egypt and Greece underscores the pressing need for a cease-fire in Gaza and the stabilization of the Lebanon-Israel cease-fire. The ongoing violence in Gaza has precipitated a humanitarian crisis, prompting international calls for urgent action. The leaders’ commitment to addressing these issues reflects a broader strategy aimed at fostering peace and security in an increasingly volatile region.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
