Cairo is intensifying its coordination with Washington and Paris to secure an immediate cessation of Israeli strikes, amid a sharp military escalation in Lebanon.
Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Badr Abdelatty, ramped up discussions with Western counterparts on Thursday, April 9, according to an official statement.
In telephone consultations with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, Abdelatty called for “swift intervention to de-escalate the situation” and an immediate ceasefire. The initiative marks a significant diplomatic push by Cairo as violence in Lebanon reaches critical levels.
Expanding on these talks, Abdelatty warned of the destabilising consequences of ongoing military operations. “The Israeli aggression against Lebanon undermines all regional and international efforts aimed at establishing the desired truce,” he stated, emphasising that “ending the attacks remains the absolute priority.”
The Egyptian official further reaffirmed his country’s commitment to Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity, cautioning against the risks of the conflict expanding into a full-scale regional war.
This diplomatic mobilisation follows direct coordination with Lebanese authorities. On Wednesday, Abdelatty spoke with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to express Cairo’s “categorical condemnation” of the Israeli strikes and to reaffirm Egypt’s “unwavering support.”
Talks also focused on the necessity of bolstering Lebanese state institutions and addressing the deteriorating humanitarian situation.
Cairo’s intensified efforts come as the human toll rises sharply. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, strikes conducted on Wednesday, April 8, resulted in more than 200 deaths and 1,000 injuries within a 24-hour window. The Israeli military indicated it had carried out its “largest strike” since March 2, targeting over 100 locations linked to Hezbollah.
The current climate has placed mounting pressure on international actors to synchronise mediation efforts. Paris and Washington are seen as pivotal links in these negotiations, while Egypt seeks to consolidate its role as a regional mediator. Cairo continues to stress the need for diplomatic convergence to restore a durable truce and prevent further instability across the Middle East.
MK/AK/Sf/lb/as/APA