مصر تؤكد دعمها للمبادرة السعودية ـ الفرنسية لتسوية القضية الفلسطينية

The Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi confirmed Egypt's support for the joint Saudi-French initiative aimed at organizing a high-level international conference on the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue, scheduled to be held in New York during July, during a phone call he received from French President Emmanuel Macron.

According to the spokesperson for the Egyptian presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy, the call addressed "Egypt's intensive efforts for mediation to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, and the exchange of hostages and detainees." It was also emphasized that it is necessary to deliver humanitarian aid adequately and appropriately to the people of the Gaza Strip.

El-Sisi expressed his welcome to what President Macron recently announced regarding France's intention to officially declare its recognition of the Palestinian state during the high-level segment of the United Nations General Assembly in September in New York City, affirming that France's decision comes as part of its ongoing efforts to implement the two-state solution, as the only way to achieve the aspirations of both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples to live in peace side by side, and to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.

The French president praised Egypt's efforts in mediating between Israel and Hamas, affirming his country's full support for these endeavors. Both sides stressed the "necessity of reaching a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions," which would end the long-standing conflict, while emphasizing the importance of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza in an immediate and sustainable manner to alleviate the suffering of the population.

The International Conference for the Settlement of the Palestinian Issue

The international conference for the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue, co-sponsored by Saudi Arabia and France, is part of renewed international efforts to revive the two-state solution amid escalating tensions in the occupied Palestinian territories. The conference was originally scheduled for last June but was postponed to July 28-29 due to the Israeli military escalation against Iran in June.

The conference is held under the umbrella of the United Nations General Assembly, by resolution number 79/81, with the aim of establishing a roadmap for implementing the two-state solution and ensuring the establishment of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state that lives side by side with Israel in peace and security.

The conference includes a general session featuring statements from the President of the General Assembly, the UN Secretary-General, and the co-chairs (Saudi Arabia and France), along with eight working groups addressing vital issues such as security for both parties, the economic viability of the Palestinian state, reconstruction, and enhancing respect for international law.

This initiative comes amid significant challenges, as the two-state solution faces obstacles due to the continued Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank, rising violence from settlers, and restrictions imposed on the movement of Palestinians. According to UN reports, more than 800 Palestinians have been killed while trying to obtain humanitarian aid, while Israel continues to impose restrictions on the entry of aid into Gaza.

Egypt plays a pivotal role in the Palestinian issue, having mediated for decades between Israel and Palestinian factions to reach ceasefires and agreements. Cairo hosted an emergency Arab summit last March, during which it reaffirmed its support for the reconstruction of Gaza and ensuring that its residents are not displaced, while emphasizing Palestinian rights to establish an independent state. Egypt, along with Qatar, is also a key partner in negotiations for the exchange of hostages and detainees, amid ongoing efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.