Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Badr Abdelatty, met with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berry in Beirut on Wednesday, underscoring Egypt’s primary focus on achieving a ceasefire and halting Israeli aggression against Lebanon. This visit comes amid escalating violence in the region and Egypt’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to mitigate the humanitarian crisis and preserve Lebanon’s sovereignty.
In a press conference following their meeting, Abdelatty highlighted Egypt’s continuous efforts to engage regional and international stakeholders—particularly U.S. officials—regarding the urgent need for a ceasefire. He reiterated Egypt’s condemnation of Israeli attacks on Lebanon, emphasizing that they not only threaten the unity of the Lebanese state but also violate international law, including an attack on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which Egypt described as a serious breach of Lebanese sovereignty.
Abdelatty also conveyed a message of solidarity from Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, reinforcing Egypt’s political and humanitarian support for Lebanon. He emphasized the critical role of the Lebanese army in safeguarding the country’s integrity and reaffirmed Egypt’s backing of Lebanese institutions in their efforts to navigate the current crisis.
Addressing Lebanon’s Internal Challenges
In addition to discussions on the Israeli aggression, Abdelatty and Berry addressed Lebanon’s internal displacement crisis, with Abdelatty stressing the importance of maintaining Lebanon’s stability. They also discussed Lebanon’s ongoing presidential vacancy, with Abdelatty reiterating Egypt’s opposition to external interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs. He made it clear that Egypt does not view the election of a new president as a precondition for a ceasefire, urging a consensual and Lebanese-led approach to resolving the political deadlock.
Abdelatty also noted that Egypt is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts through the Five-Nation Committee on Lebanon, a group dedicated to facilitating dialogue between Lebanese factions and ensuring that the election process remains fully within Lebanese control. He emphasized Egypt’s commitment to helping bridge political divides in Lebanon, ensuring that no faction is marginalized in the political process.
Humanitarian Aid and Support
A key aspect of Abdelatty’s visit was the delivery of a new shipment of humanitarian aid to Lebanon, aimed at alleviating the suffering of those displaced by the conflict. Egypt has also been facilitating the repatriation of Egyptian citizens from Lebanon, ensuring their safety amidst the ongoing hostilities.
In a separate meeting with Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s strong opposition to any forced displacement of communities within Lebanon, underscoring the severe humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict. He emphasized that Egypt will continue its humanitarian support for Lebanon, including the ongoing airlift of aid.
Egypt’s Diplomatic Role in the Region
Throughout his visit, Abdelatty made it clear that Egypt is working tirelessly to prevent further escalation of violence and to secure peace for Lebanon and the wider region. He stressed that Egypt’s actions were aligned with President El-Sisi’s directives to offer unwavering support to Lebanon during this period of crisis. Egypt’s continued advocacy for a ceasefire, the preservation of Lebanese sovereignty, and its efforts to address the presidential vacancy underscore its central role in regional diplomacy.
As the crisis in Lebanon continues to unfold, Egypt remains a critical ally in Lebanon’s struggle for peace, stability, and sovereignty, working diplomatically to reduce tensions and address both humanitarian and political challenges.
