AA / Le Caire / Ibrahim Khazen
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty expressed hope that the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza would contribute to a de-escalation of tensions in the Red Sea.
These remarks were made during a telephone call with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, on Thursday, according to a statement released by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry on Friday.
On Wednesday evening, Qatar announced that it had succeeded, in cooperation with Egypt and the United States, in negotiating a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. The first phase, which extends over 42 days, provides for the release of 33 Israelis held in Gaza in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
During this exchange, the two ministers discussed the latest developments in Gaza. Araghchi praised Egypt’s role in securing the ceasefire, highlighting Cairo’s crucial efforts in the process.
Abdelatty stressed the importance of the rapid implementation of the agreement and urged all parties to respect its terms within the stipulated time frame.
The statement also said the two officials reviewed regional developments, including security in the Red Sea, and addressed the impact of last year’s maritime disruptions on shipping.
-The Egyptian minister underlined his country’s hope that the ceasefire would help restore stability, reduce tensions and protect freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, a key sea route for international trade.
At the end of December, the Egyptian presidency revealed that disruptions in 2024 in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait had led to an estimated loss of nearly $7 billion in revenue for the Suez Canal.
The Houthis have targeted Israeli or Tel Aviv-linked commercial ships in the Red Sea using missiles and drones, showing their support for the Gaza Strip, where nearly 47,000 people have lost their lives since October 2023 in what many are calling a genocidal war led by Israel.
Since the beginning of 2024, a US-led coalition has been carrying out airstrikes targeting, according to its statements, Houthi positions in Yemen, in response to the latter’s attacks in the Red Sea. These operations resulted in sporadic reprisals from the Houthis.
Translated from English by Adama Bamba
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