Antalya: Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with his Palestinian counterpart Mohammad Mustafa on Friday at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey to discuss Egypt’s ongoing mediation efforts aimed at reinstating the ceasefire in Gaza and initiating the next stage of negotiations.
According to the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, the two officials also addressed the joint Arab-Islamic initiative for Gaza’s reconstruction, which is being coordinated with global stakeholders. They reviewed preparations for an international reconstruction conference set to be hosted by Egypt in collaboration with the Palestinian government and the United Nations.
In addition, the foreign ministers examined the deteriorating security situation in the West Bank, where Israeli forces have intensified operations, including mass arrests and home demolitions.
Minister Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s categorical opposition to the displacement of Palestinians and reaffirmed support for their legitimate rights, including the establishment of an independent state based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
On the sidelines of the forum, Abdelatty also held bilateral discussions with his counterparts from Angola, Zambia, Congo, and Gambia. These talks focused on boosting cooperation, promoting African unity, advancing economic ties, and rallying support for Egypt’s candidate for UNESCO Director-General, Khaled El-Enany. They also touched on joint efforts to enhance continental security and combat terrorism.
Egypt continues to play a pivotal role in mediation efforts alongside Qatar, seeking to reinstate the truce that collapsed in March following an Israeli offensive that resulted in over 1,400 Palestinian deaths. The offensive marked the end of a ceasefire brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US that had been in place since January.
Cairo has condemned Israel’s recent moves, including the formation of a Defense Ministry directorate to promote the so-called "voluntary departure" of Gazans and the authorization of new settlements in the West Bank. The ongoing conflict has led to a staggering toll of over 50,800 Palestinian deaths and more than 115,000 injuries, predominantly affecting women and children.
