Bou Habib urges immediate action against Israeli escalation in joint press conference with Egyptian Counterpart

In a joint press conference held on Tuesday at the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Cairo, Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Abdallah Bou Habib, emphasized the detrimental impact of recent Israeli escalations on regional peace efforts. Speaking alongside his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, Bou Habib criticized Israel's actions, stating they undermine Egypt's mediation efforts for de-escalation and disregard U.S. President Joe Biden's ceasefire initiative and UN Security Council Resolution 2735, which endorsed the initiative. 'The recent Israeli escalation in the region undermines Egypt's ongoing efforts for de-escalation and blatantly disregards President Biden's ceasefire initiative and Security Council Resolution 2735, reflecting Israel's intentions to prolong the conflict and expand the war zone," Bou Habib asserted, highlighting that the initial step towards de-escalation is the cessation of Israeli aggression on Gaza to protect the entire region from the repercussions of a potential regional war. "The expansion of the war is becoming a serious possibility if the international community and concerned nations do not act immediately and effectively to stop the war crimes committed by Israel,' Bou Habib warned. In his remarks, the Foreign Minister expressed Lebanon's appreciation for Egypt's efforts to mediate the conflict and its continued support for Lebanon amid recent developments. He called for sustained Egyptian and Arab support for Lebanon, particularly in the face of Israeli plans to widen the conflict. Bou Habib further underscored Lebanon's commitment to the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Lebanese territories and an end to violations of Lebanese sovereignty. "We thank the Arab Republic of Egypt, led by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, its government, and its people for their steadfast support for Lebanon, especially in light of the recent dangerous developments in the region," Bou Habib stated, assuring continued Egyptian support and highlighting Lebanon's confidence in Egypt's historical role in maintaining Lebanon's sovereignty and stability. The Lebanese Foreign Minister finally reiterated Lebanon's trust in Egypt's efforts to preserve the country's interests and ensure regional stability, underscoring the deep-rooted ties and unwavering support between the two nations throughout Lebanon's challenging times. Source: National News Agency - Lebanon