Shoukry, Wennesland Discuss Latest Developments in Palestinian Cause

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry during his meeting with the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, in Cairo on Wednesday, June 15, 2022. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry during his meeting with the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, in Cairo on Wednesday, June 15, 2022. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Shoukry, Wennesland Discuss Latest Developments in Palestinian Cause

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry during his meeting with the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, in Cairo on Wednesday, June 15, 2022. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry during his meeting with the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, in Cairo on Wednesday, June 15, 2022. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry held talks with the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland in Cairo on Wednesday.

Shoukry underscored Cairo’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and efforts to achieve peace in the region.

In late May, Cairo underscored the importance of halting all measures and actions that target the Arab Islamic and Christian identity of Jerusalem and its sanctities, and aim at changing the historical and legal status quo of the city.

Shoukry warned then that the escalation affects the stability of the Palestinian territories.

This came during his meeting with the Secretary-General of the Fatah Central Committee, Jibril Rajoub.

The FM reiterated that the continued expansion of settlement activity, whether through building new settlements or expanding existing ones, the confiscation of lands and the displacement of Palestinians, undermine the chances of reaching a two-state solution and the prospect for establishing a comprehensive and just peace in the region.

He further confirmed Egypt’s firm position on supporting the Palestinian cause and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

He underlined the need to hold talks to revive the Israeli-Palestinian dialogue and reach a political solution that would end the Israeli occupation of Palestine along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

In February, Cairo renewed its commitment to support Gaza’ reconstruction efforts. s

Its Permanent Representative to the UN Osama Abdelkhalek told the relevant UN committee that the Palestinian people should exercise their inalienable rights.

He affirmed that his country invested $500 million in projects to reconstruct the Gaza Strip, noting that Egyptian companies have started implementing these projects.



Sudanese Army Airstrikes Kill Dozens in Darfur

Smoke rises in the sky over Khartoum following armed clashes that left dozens dead and injured (AFP)
Smoke rises in the sky over Khartoum following armed clashes that left dozens dead and injured (AFP)
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Sudanese Army Airstrikes Kill Dozens in Darfur

Smoke rises in the sky over Khartoum following armed clashes that left dozens dead and injured (AFP)
Smoke rises in the sky over Khartoum following armed clashes that left dozens dead and injured (AFP)

More than 60 people have been killed and over 250 injured in airstrikes by the Sudanese military on the town of Kouma in North Darfur. This incident is being described by observers as one of the “largest massacres” of civilians since the conflict began.

Dozens more have died in separate attacks targeting the areas of Meilit, Wad Abu Saleh, and Um Duwain in Khartoum, with increasing calls for a ban on military flights by the Sudanese army.

Witnesses told Asharq Al-Awsat that the military targeted Kouma’s market on Friday morning, dropping explosive barrels that caused widespread destruction. Many victims were shopping at the bustling “Friday market,” and the death toll is expected to rise due to a lack of medical care for the injured.

The attacks are viewed as deliberate assaults on civilians, particularly since there were no Rapid Support Forces (RSF) present in the crowded market. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with bodies scattered throughout the area.

In Meilit, airstrikes also targeted a wedding celebration, killing about 13 people and injuring others. Activists and eyewitnesses deny the presence of the RSF in these locations, despite military claims that air operations are directed at them.

Political and human rights groups have condemned the escalating airstrikes and called for an immediate ban on military flights in Darfur.

The Civil Democratic Forces Coordination (Tagadum) stated that the Kouma market attack was a severe violation against civilians, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries.

The group expressed concern about ongoing violations against civilians in Sudan and highlighted the need for international attention to protect innocent lives. They urged the warring parties to cease hostilities and engage in negotiations to end the conflict.