Egypt, UN Call for Avoiding Escalation in Palestinian Territories

Shoukry meets with Wennesland in Cairo: Photo: Egyptian Foreign Ministry
Shoukry meets with Wennesland in Cairo: Photo: Egyptian Foreign Ministry
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Egypt, UN Call for Avoiding Escalation in Palestinian Territories

Shoukry meets with Wennesland in Cairo: Photo: Egyptian Foreign Ministry
Shoukry meets with Wennesland in Cairo: Photo: Egyptian Foreign Ministry

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and United Nations’ Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland have agreed to intensify contacts to avoid any escalation in Jerusalem or the Gaza Strip.

During their meeting, they discussed ways to advance the peace process and end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Egyptian FM briefed Wennesland on Egypt’s stance and efforts to resume the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations based on the relevant international legitimacy resolutions and the international law.

Shoukry also highlighted Egypt’s efforts, along with Jordan, Germany, and France, to resume the negotiations, voicing Cairo’s concerns over an escalation in East Jerusalem.

The minister further called for putting an end to violations of the holy city’s Arab, Islamic and Christian identity.

Wennesland praised Cairo’s great efforts to resume the peace talks and achieve Palestinian reconciliation.

In a separate meeting with Wennesland, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Abul Gheit expressed concern about the recent escalation in Jerusalem, blaming the extreme right-wing rhetoric in Israel for the worsening developments.

He also blamed the Israeli authorities who he said sought to impose new restrictions on the Palestinians in the Old City and Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Abul Gheit called for wisdom and less provocation, especially that this time of year sees the influx of tens of thousands of worshippers to the Temple Mount.

He highlighted the right of Palestinians to reach Al-Aqsa Mosque without obstacles or barriers and warned against incitement by Jewish groups.

Abul Gheit also stressed the importance of continuing international support for the Palestinian Authority at this difficult phase, especially with the serious economic and social consequences of the novel coronavirus pandemic.



Trump Says Gaza Ceasefire Possible this Week or Next

US President Donald Trump listens to opening remarks, on the day he hosts a lunch for African representatives of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., US, July 9, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
US President Donald Trump listens to opening remarks, on the day he hosts a lunch for African representatives of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., US, July 9, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
TT
20

Trump Says Gaza Ceasefire Possible this Week or Next

US President Donald Trump listens to opening remarks, on the day he hosts a lunch for African representatives of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., US, July 9, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
US President Donald Trump listens to opening remarks, on the day he hosts a lunch for African representatives of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., US, July 9, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

US President Donald Trump said there is a "very good chance" of a ceasefire in Gaza this week or next, after meeting Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday for the second time in two days to discuss the situation.

"We have a chance this week or next week," Trump told reporters.

Israel's military chief said on Wednesday "conditions have been created" for the advancement of a hostage release deal in Gaza, as indirect negotiations were under way between Israel and Hamas.

"We have achieved many significant results, we have caused great damage to the governance and military capabilities of Hamas," armed forces chief Eyal Zamir said in a televised speech.

"Thanks to the operational power that we have demonstrated, the conditions have been created to advance a deal to release the hostages."

Netanyahu said on Wednesday that his meeting with Trump focused on freeing the hostages held in Gaza, and stressed his determination to "eliminate" the military and governmental capabilities of Hamas.