On October 4, 2024, Egypt and Saudi Arabia condemned Israeli military actions against Lebanon, stressing their commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty and safety. Following discussions between the Foreign Ministers, they called for a permanent ceasefire and urged the international community to facilitate humanitarian assistance amid rising casualties linked to ongoing conflicts in the region.
On October 4, 2024, Egypt and Saudi Arabia publicly declared their opposition to any actions that might compromise Lebanon’s safety and sovereignty amidst escalating tensions in the region. The statement followed a telephone conversation between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan, where they addressed the worsening situation in Lebanon and increasing Israeli military actions. The two ministers condemned the violent assaults by Israel on Lebanon, which have resulted in significant loss of life, with hundreds of casualties reported. They expressed unwavering support for the Lebanese population during this crisis and emphasized the critical need for comprehensive humanitarian assistance. Moreover, the ministers highlighted the urgency of strengthening the Lebanese state and its institutions to ensure they can uphold their responsibilities and maintain sovereignty over their territories. They cautioned about the dangers of the ongoing escalation and urged the responsible implementation of Security Council Resolution No. 1701 by all concerned parties, urging uniformity in its application. Furthermore, both ministers called upon the international community, especially the Security Council, to assume its obligations by facilitating an immediate and enduring ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza. The recent period has seen a marked increase in violence, with Israel continuing its hostilities in Gaza, reportedly resulting in the deaths of over 41,600 Palestinians. In Lebanon, Israeli military actions have claimed the lives of more than 1,900 individuals and left over 9,000 injured since the onset of the recent Gaza conflict, as documented by local government sources. The current wave of violence escalated significantly over the past fortnight due to extensive Israeli air assaults and a ground offensive initiated on Monday in Lebanon. Despite heavy casualties on both sides, Hezbollah has managed to thwart some Israeli incursions and inflicted casualties amongst Israeli troops. The regional atmosphere has further deteriorated as Iran conducted a significant military operation against Israeli targets, launching nearly 200 missiles retaliatory for a notable assassination of Hezbollah leaders. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) characterized this as a measured response against previous Israeli aggressions, particularly focused on preventing further escalations. As international calls for de-escalation grow louder, Israel’s relentless operations in Gaza, Lebanon, and against Houthi forces illustrate a troubling trajectory that may endanger the stability of the broader Middle East region.
The relationship between Lebanon and Israel has been historically fraught with conflict, characterized by military confrontations and political tensions. The current conflict has intensified in light of ongoing military actions by Israel in Gaza and Lebanon, raising concerns among neighboring nations, particularly Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Both countries have vested interests in preserving regional stability and ensuring the sovereignty of Lebanon, which is facing severe humanitarian crises due to the violence. This context highlights the urgency of diplomatic engagements aimed at mitigating the repercussions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its spillover effects on Lebanon.
In summary, Egypt and Saudi Arabia’s joint declaration underscores their commitment to protecting Lebanon’s sovereignty amidst a backdrop of escalating violence instigated by Israeli military actions. Their conversation emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and the urgent need for humanitarian support for Lebanon while reinforcing calls for adherence to Security Council resolutions aimed at stabilizing the region. With the rising casualties and continuous military escalation, the call for a permanent ceasefire remains critical to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Original Source: www.egypttoday.com
