US-Egypt talks aim to halt Gaza hostilities, secure prisoner release

Steve Witkoff, the special envoy of US President Donald Trump, held a telephone conversation with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty amid reports of a potential visit to Cairo.

The discussion centred on the escalating crisis in the Gaza Strip and the broader Iran-Israel conflict, with both officials emphasizing the urgent necessity for intensified diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional tensions, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

Foreign Minister Abdelatty underscored the critical importance of promptly resuming a ceasefire in Gaza, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent further civilian casualties. He also stressed the imperative of securing the release of hostages and Palestinian detainees as an essential component of any comprehensive peace agreement.

The dialogue highlighted the ongoing collaborative mediation efforts by Egypt, the United States, and Qatar aimed at brokering a ceasefire in Gaza, facilitating the release of hostages and detainees, and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access to the enclave. Minister Abdelatty reiterated the paramount need to halt Israeli military operations in Gaza and guarantee humanitarian corridors to alleviate the dire suffering of the Palestinian population.

Furthermore, the conversation addressed the broader goal of achieving a sustainable resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict—one that honors the legitimate aspirations of the region’s peoples and aligns with the vision of comprehensive peace championed during the Trump administration.

Special Envoy Witkoff expressed the United States’ profound appreciation for Egypt’s central role and the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in steering mediation efforts to end hostilities, secure hostage releases, and facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries.

In addition, the call touched upon recent progress in indirect negotiations between the US and Iran concerning Tehran’s nuclear program. Minister Abdelatty welcomed the envoy’s assessment of these talks and reaffirmed Egypt’s support for continued dialogue, viewing it as a critical avenue to promote regional stability, reduce escalating tensions, and avert a descent into widespread chaos.

By Vafa Guliyeva