By Adel EL Mahrouky in Cairo, Egypt
In light of the rapidly escalating crisis in the Middle East, a pivotal meeting unfolded between Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Antonio Tajani and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi in Cairo.
This significant rendezvous aimed at exploring collaborative efforts to curtail the devastating impacts of the Israeli strikes on Gaza, which are amassing global concern.
With Gaza battered by continuous military actions, Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry reveals an acute concern for the plight of Palestinian civilians.
Watch: Israel-Palestine Conflict:Italy, Egypt discuss humanitarian efforts
ALSO WATCH: Israeli and Gaza residents grapple with searing loss and devastation
Basic services wiped out
“Our Palestinian brothers are suffering from the lack of all basic services, continuous bombings, and the targeting of residential houses and districts,” Shoukry shared, emphasising Egypt’s staunch commitment to employing its diplomatic role and international partners like the European Union.
In a compassionate international effort, Egypt promises unequivocal support for UN initiatives to establish a humanitarian corridor into Gaza through Sinai, hoping to alleviate the crippling effects of the unrelenting military strikes. Amidst the strife, Tajani and Shoukry also navigated discussions on Egyptian mediation’s role in releasing two Italian hostages, recently seized by Hamas during a surprise attack on Israel.
Tajani affirmed, “There is a common desire between our two countries to work on restoring calm and extend these efforts even further because there is a large number of casualties on both sides.” While acknowledging Israel’s defense rights, the shared objective leans towards minimising harm to all involved parties.
Nevertheless, European nations’ unfettered support for Israel continues to stir discontent within the Arab World. Ahmed Goumaa, a researcher of Arab Politics, expressed, “There is blind support to the Israeli military, political support, and even military support.” He warns such unilateral support risks further enflaming regional tensions rather than facilitating peace.
As conflict and casualty numbers mount, Egypt and Italy, amidst an atmosphere of international disapproval and consternation, forge forward in their diplomatic endeavours, aspiring to weave a lifeline of humanitarian aid to Gaza and potentially spearheading a movement towards a much-needed ceasefire in the region.
*CGTN is a BGTN content partner
