Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatti said in Cairo at a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that negotiations on the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza have been complicated by the explosions of Hezbollah pagers in Lebanon.
He stressed that Egypt maintains constant contact with the Hamas terrorist group, which previously confirmed its commitment to the agreements concluded in May and July this year. According to Abdelatti, the events in Lebanon had a negative impact on the negotiation process and complicated the achievement of agreements on the hostages and a truce.
The minister warned against the risk of a full-scale war, noting that the slightest mistake could lead to an escalation of the conflict in the region, which is extremely dangerous.
Egypt and Qatar, with the support of the United States, are acting as mediators in the negotiations. The first phase involves the release of some 32 of the remaining 101 hostages, as well as a six-week cessation of hostilities.
US officials believe that further escalation in the north of the country could hamper the achievement of a deal. They hope that agreements could also facilitate a diplomatic resolution of the conflict on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon.
Blinken explained that this is why reaching an agreement is a priority. He also noted that communication with the participants in the process was difficult and lengthy. According to him, any event or incident that occurred during this time could slow down the process and complicate the negotiations.
According to the Secretary of State, reaching an agreement depends not only on the content, but also on the political will of both parties. He stressed that both parties must demonstrate their willingness to conclude an agreement in order to move the process forward.
“If that will exists, this agreement will be reached. If it is reached, it will bring immediate benefits to all parties involved, starting with the return of the hostages to their homes and immediate relief for the people of Gaza,” Blinken said.
He added that the agreement could open the door to new diplomatic solutions, including an agreement along the border between Israel and Lebanon.
Blinken also noted that 15 of the 18 points of the first phase of the agreement have already been agreed upon, leaving only a few unresolved issues, including the continued presence of the Israel Defense Forces along the Philadelphia Corridor and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
Abdelatti also said that Egypt is categorically against any changes to the existing rules established before October 7, especially those that concern the Palestinian side.
Kursor previously reported on the agreement reached between Egypt and Hamas terrorists.
