Egypt calls for full implementation of Gaza ceasefire phase two in regional talks
via Egypt Today1 min read
Egypt has urged the complete implementation of the second phase of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan during discussions with regional partners on the Palestinian cause. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with counterparts from Qatar, Jordan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia, and the diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. Abdelatty emphasized the necessity of ensuring continuous humanitarian, relief, and medical aid flow into Gaza to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people. He also underscored the importance of the National Committee for the Administration of the Gaza Strip commencing its work within the enclave to manage daily affairs and enable the Palestinian Authority to resume its responsibilities. The minister called for the rapid deployment of an international stabilization force to establish a secure environment for the transitional phase. Regarding the West Bank, Abdelatty condemned escalating settler violence, annexation, and settlement expansion policies, which he stated violate international law. He also denounced the Knesset’s approval of a law authorizing the execution of Palestinian prisoners and repeated incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque, warning these actions could escalate tensions. The ministers agreed to maintain close consultations to support the Palestinian cause and reaffirmed their commitment to collective efforts for regional security and stability.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Egypt Today.
Must ReadA US official stated that the conflict in Iran could restart within days if negotiations between Tehran and Washington do not achieve a breakthrough, according to an Axios report. This comes as US President Donald Trump claimed there are "no sticking points at all" in the ongoing discussions with Iran. Trump also indicated on Friday that the US would collaborate with Iran to retrieve enriched uranium from Iranian territory and transfer it to the US. However, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei rejected this proposal, asserting that "enriched uranium is as sacred to us as Iranian soil" and "will not be transferred anywhere." In a further development, Iran's military announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil supplies, in response to a US blockade targeting Iranian shipping and ports. Speaking at a White House event on Saturday, Trump confirmed that talks with Iran are continuing but cautioned that Iran "can't blackmail us" regarding the strait.
Egypt plans to initiate the listing of stakes in Misr Life Insurance and Banque du Caire in May and June, according to Investment Minister Mohamed Farid Saleh. Speaking at an HSBC roundtable with international investors, the minister stated these offerings are part of a larger program to enhance Egypt's capital markets and attract foreign investment. Six additional profitable companies are being prepared for listing, and a study is underway to consolidate petroleum assets into a single entity for global funds. Farid highlighted that a digital transformation of the investment system supports this program, aiming to expedite corporate actions. He also mentioned discussions with the Bank for International Settlements to strengthen financial supervision and digital capabilities in the non-banking financial sector. Recent economic reforms, including energy price adjustments and increased exchange rate flexibility, have led to renewed foreign investment in local debt. The non-banking financial sector now contributes approximately 50 percent of new financing flows, and microfinance serves about 3.9 million beneficiaries. Egypt is also developing digital identity systems and e-KYC solutions to simplify company formation and banking access for young entrepreneurs.
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Must ReadTen countries, including Egypt, Somalia, Sudan, Libya, Bangladesh, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Türkiye, and Indonesia, have jointly condemned Israel's appointment of an envoy to the breakaway Somaliland region. In a joint statement issued on Saturday, their foreign ministers denounced the move as a "flagrant violation" of Somalia's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. They expressed unequivocal rejection of unilateral measures that undermine state unity or infringe upon sovereignty. The ministers warned that this action violates international law, the United Nations Charter, and the African Union's Constitutive Act, setting a dangerous precedent that could destabilize the Horn of Africa and impact regional peace and security. Israel appointed its first ambassador to self-declared Somaliland on Wednesday, months after unilaterally recognizing the region as an independent state. Former Israeli Ambassador to Kenya Michael Lotem will serve as a non-resident envoy. The League of Arab States and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation also strongly condemned the appointment. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains internationally unrecognized and is considered by Mogadishu and the international community as part of Somalia.