Egypt and UK call for political resolution of Palestinian issue through two-state solution
During the meeting, FM Shoukry called for recognizing the Palestinian state on 1967 borders and granting Palestine full membership in the United Nations, according to a statement by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In a joint statement, Foreign Affairs Minister Sameh Shoukry and his British counterpart, David Cameron, have urged for the current momentum surrounding the Palestinian issue to be capitalized on, emphasizing the need to reignite an impactful political process in order to finally resolve the longstanding conflict. Their shared vision is centered on achieving a two-state solution as the foundation for peace in the region.
This was revealed during a meeting between the two ministers on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Riyadh on Monday.
The duo delved into the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, highlighting the continuous endeavors to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of captives in negotiations between Hamas and Israel.
Cameron, for his part, called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. He also emphasized his support for the unity of the West Bank and Gaza in any future Palestinian state, noted the statement.
Shoukry highlighted the catastrophic humanitarian situation endured by the Palestinians in the strip, censuring Israel’s continued bombing and restrictions on the aid entering the strip.
He also urged the UK to send a message to Israel to stop this war, open all land crossings, and abandon policies of collective punishment and displacement against Palestinians, according to the statement.
Shoukry also reiterated Egypt’s concern over the potential risks of the conflict expansion, citing the current escalation in the West Bank, southern Lebanon, and the Red Sea.
He said Egypt hopes the UK will pressure Israel to refrain from assaulting the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Such an attack “would represent a turning point in the conflict,” the statement quoted Shoukry as saying.
Egypt’s top diplomat welcomed the British government’s decision to impose sanctions on some settlers who were proven to be involved in acts of violence against the Palestinians.
This is “a message that confirms international rejection of such violations, which will only lead to further escalation and widening of the circle of conflict,” he noted.
Mediators have stepped up efforts over the past few hours to seal a ceasefire deal as Israel threatens to raid the Palestinian border city of Rafah.
Israel has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians and injured over 77,000, mostly children and women, in its more-than-six-month war on Gaza.
