Dr. Badr Abdel Aati of Egypt highlighted the joint responsibility of Egypt and Qatar, along with the U.S., to push for negotiations on the Gaza ceasefire’s second phase. He spoke on the need for both parties to meet obligations as stipulated in the three-phase agreement, as well as the crucial role of U.S. involvement. The Egyptian Foreign Minister recognized the successful release of some hostages while emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts to ensure all commitments are met by both sides. A recent Arab summit in Cairo reiterated the importance of completing the ceasefire agreement to foster peace in Gaza.
The Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Badr Abdel Aati, affirmed the shared responsibility of Egypt and Qatar, alongside the United States, to exert continuous pressure regarding negotiations on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. In statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA), he noted that their collaborative efforts successfully facilitated a ceasefire in January, which encompasses three stages, with the first phase already implemented despite some reluctance from one party to fulfill its obligations.
Abdel Aati emphasized the need for commitment from both sides involved in the ceasefire agreement, particularly urging Israel to meet its obligations to ensure the fulfillment of all three stages. He articulated that the adherence to the agreed obligations is essential for progressing toward a lasting resolution.
Moreover, he indicated that both Jordan and Qatar expect constructive involvement from the United States in the prompt initiation of the second phase negotiations following the agreements reached. He remarked on the significant influence of the Trump administration in achieving the initial ceasefire before his presidency.
Additionally, the Foreign Minister celebrated advancements, including the release of a number of hostages, while stressing that sustained efforts are now required to complete the subsequent stages, leading to the release of all hostages remaining in Gaza. In conjunction, he highlighted that Israel is expected to uphold its commitments, specifically in providing humanitarian assistance and releasing a designated number of Palestinian prisoners.
The recent Extraordinary Arab Summit convened in Cairo reiterated the crucial priority of enforcing the Gaza ceasefire agreement’s second and third phases. The summit’s final statement underscored the importance of each party’s compliance with their commitments, particularly Israel’s, to ensure a sustainable end to hostilities and the complete withdrawal from Gaza.
In conclusion, Dr. Badr Abdel Aati underlined the collaborative efforts of Egypt and Qatar, supported by the United States, to facilitate negotiations for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. He emphasized the significance of both parties fulfilling their commitments to ensure the success of the agreement and highlighted the expectations for continued humanitarian efforts and the release of hostages. The recent Arab summit reaffirmed the urgency for compliance to achieve a lasting resolution in Gaza.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com