Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Badr Abdelatty, has reiterated Egypt’s steadfast support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity as violence flares in northern Syria.
During a phone call with Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh, Abdelatty emphasized the critical need to protect civilians amidst the escalating conflict, according to a statement by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.
Conflict Resurges in Northern Syria
The Syrian civil war, which had largely subsided following a 2020 ceasefire agreement brokered by Russia and Turkey, reignited in recent days. Insurgents, led by the Sunni jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have launched a series of offensives, seizing Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, and claiming control over Idlib province.
Syrian government forces have responded with airstrikes on rebel-held areas, leading to significant casualties and displacements. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that since November 26, at least 44 people have been killed, and over 48,500 displaced as hostilities escalate.
Regional and International Implications
The phone call between Abdelatty and Sabbagh marks the second such conversation since the conflict intensified. Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s commitment to supporting Syria through Arab League channels and affirmed the role of Syrian national institutions in maintaining stability and combating terrorism.
The ministers discussed strategies to bolster support for Syria amid the ongoing crisis, which threatens to destabilize not only Syria but the broader region.
Decades of Devastation
The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, has left hundreds of thousands dead and millions displaced. Despite intermittent ceasefires, the conflict remains a focal point of regional instability, exacerbated by the involvement of foreign powers backing different factions.
Abdelatty’s comments underscore Egypt’s stance of non-interference while supporting efforts that preserve Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity. With renewed violence in Aleppo and Idlib, regional stakeholders are watching closely to determine the next steps in a protracted and devastating conflict.
