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Egypt’s Sisi Warns of Region Sliding towards ‘Unprecedented’ Conflict

In this photo provided by Egypt's Presidency Media Office, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, pose for a photo, during the opening of the EU-Egypt Investment Conference in Cairo, Egypt, Saturday, June 29, 2024. (Egyptian Presidency Media Office via AP)
In this photo provided by Egypt's Presidency Media Office, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, pose for a photo, during the opening of the EU-Egypt Investment Conference in Cairo, Egypt, Saturday, June 29, 2024. (Egyptian Presidency Media Office via AP)
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Egypt’s Sisi Warns of Region Sliding towards ‘Unprecedented’ Conflict

In this photo provided by Egypt's Presidency Media Office, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, pose for a photo, during the opening of the EU-Egypt Investment Conference in Cairo, Egypt, Saturday, June 29, 2024. (Egyptian Presidency Media Office via AP)
In this photo provided by Egypt's Presidency Media Office, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, pose for a photo, during the opening of the EU-Egypt Investment Conference in Cairo, Egypt, Saturday, June 29, 2024. (Egyptian Presidency Media Office via AP)

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi urged on Saturday the international community to take “serious and immediate” action to stop the region from slipping into a “new and unprecedented conflict.”

Sisi received in Cairo President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of the EU-Egypt Investment Conference.

The officials underscored the “depth and strength” of Egypt-EU ties that have recently been elevated to the level of comprehensive strategic partnership, said an Egyptian presidency spokesman.

They tackled means to confront the rising regional challenges, especially the developments in Gaza and their impact on the region and its stability, he added.

Sisi stressed the need to intensify international efforts to reach an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to the coastal enclave.

He reiterated Egypt’s concern over the eruption of a wider conflict in the region, urging the international community to act to stop it from happening.

Sisi and von der Leyen agreed that “reaching a comprehensive and just solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on the two-state solution and international resolutions will remain the best way to secure sustainable stability in the region,” said the spokesman.

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Muscat Talks: Agreement Reached to Exchange Mohammed Qahtan for 50 Houthi Prisoners

Part of a meeting in Muscat between representatives of the Yemeni Government and Houthis on prisoners and detainees (UN Envoy’s Office)
Part of a meeting in Muscat between representatives of the Yemeni Government and Houthis on prisoners and detainees (UN Envoy’s Office)
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Muscat Talks: Agreement Reached to Exchange Mohammed Qahtan for 50 Houthi Prisoners

Part of a meeting in Muscat between representatives of the Yemeni Government and Houthis on prisoners and detainees (UN Envoy’s Office)
Part of a meeting in Muscat between representatives of the Yemeni Government and Houthis on prisoners and detainees (UN Envoy’s Office)

Negotiations between Yemen’s government and Houthi insurgents have made significant progress in Muscat, Oman. Both sides agreed to exchange Yemeni politician Mohammed Qahtan for 50 Houthi prisoners.
Majed Fadail, the spokesperson for the government’s negotiation team engaged in prisoner and detainee discussions, confirmed the progress to Asharq Al-Awsat, noting that the talks began last Sunday under the auspices of the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The spokesperson emphasized that the recent agreement with the Houthis is preliminary, with critical details still unresolved.
“We have agreed to exchange Mohammed Qahtan for 50 Houthi prisoners,” affirmed Fadail.
When asked about Qahtan’s condition, Fadail said: “The Houthis have not disclosed whether he is alive. If he’s deceased, they’ll receive bodies in return.”
“We consider the matter unresolved until all details are finalized. Progress has been made, but the agreement must be fully implemented,” stressed Fadail.
The government delegation insists on clarifying the fate of Qahtan, held captive by the Houthis for a decade, before proceeding with any “all-for-all” deal.
“Our leadership mandates responsible handling of this humanitarian issue. Ensuring Qahtan’s release is a priority in any exchange,” noted Fadail.
The UN and International Committee of the Red Cross facilitated previous successful exchanges, raising hopes for a comprehensive agreement in Muscat that could end years of suffering for captive families.
Recent exchanges under UN auspices saw over 1,000 detainees released initially and around 900 in subsequent rounds.
The Yemeni government demands the release of all detainees under an “all-for-all” principle, accusing the Houthis of obstructing talks by selective demands and withholding information about prisoners.
In the past exchanges, the Houthis released three out of four individuals covered by UN Security Council Resolution 2216: former President’s brother Nasser Mansour, former Defense Minister Mahmoud Al-Subaihi, and military leader Faisal Rajab.
They continue to refuse the release of the fourth, Qahtan, withholding information about his health and denying family contact.