Egypt, US Agree on Facing Climate Change Challenges

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
TT

Egypt, US Agree on Facing Climate Change Challenges

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)

Egypt and the US agreed on the need for joint action to achieve the goals of the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in facing the challenges of climate change.

On Thursday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry affirmed, in a telephone conversation with his US counterpart, Antony Blinken, that Egypt has made all the necessary arrangements to ensure the effective participation of official delegations, private sector representatives, NGOs, and civil society representatives concerned with climate change issues.

COP27 will be launched in the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh, with the participation of several world leaders, including US President Joe Biden.

Ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid indicated that the call touched on the recent Israeli elections and that Shoukry stressed the importance of avoiding any escalation or provocations against the Palestinian people.

The Minister underscored the importance of focusing all efforts on reviving the peace process after the formation of the new Israeli government.

Shoukry and Blinken also discussed human rights in Egypt.

The Egyptian foreign Minister reviewed Cairo’s most recent efforts within the framework of the National Strategy for Human rights, referring to the most recent decisions of the National Pardon Committee and the National Dialogue.

The spokesman pointed out that the two ministers affirmed their keenness to continue the dialogue between the two countries to deepen the US-Egypt strategic partnership and intensify cooperation and coordination mechanisms in facing global and regional challenges.

On Thursday, the US Embassy in Cairo announced that senior US officials from over 16 agencies and organizations would travel to Sharm El-Sheikh to “advance climate ambition and ensure a strong outcome” at the global conference.

The US delegation will be led by Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry, and includes several senior officials, including Blinken.



Palestinians Hold Friday Prayers in the Ruins of Mosques in the Gaza Strip

Palestinians perform Friday prayers among the rubble of their homes destroyed in an Israeli military offensive, after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, 24 January 2025. (EPA)
Palestinians perform Friday prayers among the rubble of their homes destroyed in an Israeli military offensive, after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, 24 January 2025. (EPA)
TT

Palestinians Hold Friday Prayers in the Ruins of Mosques in the Gaza Strip

Palestinians perform Friday prayers among the rubble of their homes destroyed in an Israeli military offensive, after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, 24 January 2025. (EPA)
Palestinians perform Friday prayers among the rubble of their homes destroyed in an Israeli military offensive, after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, 24 January 2025. (EPA)

Palestinians have gathered for weekly Muslim prayers in the ruins of mosques in the Gaza Strip that were destroyed by Israeli strikes.

The prayers were held on the first Friday since a ceasefire went into effect that is aimed at ending the Israel-Hamas war and bringing about the release of dozens of hostages and hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned or detained by Israel.

Dozens of worshippers gathered amidst the crumbled walls and drooping ceiling of a mosque in the southern city of Khan Younis, while others prayed outside.

In the urban Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, children climbed on the destroyed minaret of a mosque.

Israel’s 15-month military campaign, launched after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack, caused vast destruction across Gaza.

Israel blames the devastation on Hamas because the fighters operate in dense, residential areas. Over the course of the war, the military released photos and video showing the placement of tunnels and other militant infrastructure near homes, mosques and schools.

The Palestinian Authority says more than 800 mosques were completely destroyed and more than 150 were damaged.