Egypt, Saudi Arabia condemn Israeli aggression on Lebanon, urge immediate ceasefire

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Atty and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed in a phonecall the escalating Israeli aggression on Lebanon and the wider region Friday, condemning the violence that has led to hundreds of casualties. According to a readout from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, both ministers reiterated the unwavering support of Egypt and Saudi Arabia for Lebanon during the ongoing crisis, expressing full solidarity with the Lebanese people.

The two diplomats emphasized the critical need for humanitarian assistance to Lebanon and urged the international community to take action. They highlighted the importance of empowering Lebanese state institutions to assert sovereignty over the entire country, while firmly rejecting any measures that could undermine this sovereignty. "We stand in full support of Lebanon and its people in this difficult time," the ministers said.

The ministers also warned about the risks posed by continued escalation, stressing the potential dangers for the entire region. They called for the immediate and full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 by all parties without discrimination. Both Egypt and Saudi Arabia pressed the UN Security Council to take responsibility in enforcing a permanent ceasefire in both Lebanon and Gaza, urging decisive action to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.

In a separate development, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati received a call from Egyptian Foreign Minister Abdel Atty, who reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to Lebanon and condemned Israel's repeated violations of Lebanese sovereignty, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties. Abdel Atty underscored Egypt's ongoing diplomatic efforts, in collaboration with regional and international partners, to secure an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation, aiming to prevent the conflict from spiralling into a full-scale war. He also conveyed that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi had instructed all possible support to be provided to help Lebanon manage the crisis and assist its state institutions.

Additionally, Mikati spoke with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, who reinforced Jordan's steadfast support for Lebanon's security, stability, and sovereignty. Safadi conveyed directives from King Abdullah II to provide Lebanon with all necessary aid to address the aftermath of the war and support efforts to achieve a ceasefire. Safadi stressed the need for international intervention to enforce a ceasefire and implement UN Resolution 1701, aligning with Lebanon’s willingness to deploy its army in coordination with UN peacekeeping forces in the south. He also called for global efforts to halt the escalating violence, particularly the ongoing assault on Gaza, which he described as a critical first step towards stabilizing the region.

Meanwhile, Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib, currently in Washington, briefed Prime Minister Mikati on diplomatic efforts aimed at halting the Israeli aggression.