Badr Abdelatty spoke before the annual meeting of world leaders at the United Nations, with many international powers calling on Israel and Hezbollah to step back from the brink of conflict.
Fire burns in northern Gaza, seen from Israel, June 1, 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Amir Cohen
"There is great concern about... the possibility of an escalation in the region leading to a region-wide war," he said, saying the recent surge in violence was "negatively impacting" ceasefire talks.
However, Mr. Abdelatty stressed that Egypt, together with Qatar and the United States, remained determined and committed to continuing efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement.
For months, the three countries have been trying to reach a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza, which diplomats say would help ease tensions in the region.
"All the components of the deal are in place. The problem is the lack of political will on the Israeli side," he added.
Mr Abdelatty also blamed Israel's "provocative policies" for escalating tensions with Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas.
“We are talking to our regional and international partners, including the United States, about the importance of preventing escalation and stopping the unilateral provocative policies that Israel is pursuing,” he said.
A regional war “does not serve the interests of any side,” the top diplomat added.
Mr Abdelatty made the comments after meetings in Washington with US officials this week, including White House adviser Amos Hochstein, who is leading efforts to reach a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi pledged on Wednesday to step up efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza during talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Mr Blinken said a ceasefire was the best way to prevent further violence in the Middle East. "We all know that a ceasefire is the best chance to resolve the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and address the risk of regional instability," he said.
Cao Phong (according to Reuters, CNA)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ai-cap-lo-ngai-ve-mot-cuoc-chien-tranh-toan-dien-giua-israel-va-hezbollah-post313467.html
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