Cairo: Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held discussions over the phone regarding the latest developments in the Gaza ceasefire deal and emphasized the urgent need for a humanitarian truce in Sudan. The talks focused on supporting the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and consolidating efforts for peace in the region.
According to Anadolu Agency, the discussions were reported by Egypt's state-run Al-Qahera News channel, highlighting that the two officials explored the field developments related to US President Donald Trump's Gaza plan. This plan serves as a basis for the ongoing ceasefire agreement, and both countries affirmed their commitment to its consolidation. They stressed the importance of adhering to the outcomes of the Sharm el-Sheikh peace summit and preserving the unity of Palestinian decision-making processes. There was also an emphasis on ensuring Palestinian territorial unity by linking the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank.
Additionally, both parties underlined the need to define the mandate of an international stabilization force for Gaza under the ceasefire agreement. The first phase of the ceasefire, which took effect on October 10, is part of Trump's 20-point plan. This plan includes the rebuilding of Gaza and the establishment of a new governing mechanism without Hamas. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with Israel's assault on Gaza since October 2023 reportedly killing more than 69,000 people and injuring over 170,600 others.
The discussions also addressed the situation in Sudan, where Abdelatty and Sheikh Mohammed expressed their support for the country's unity and stability. They called for a humanitarian truce and the establishment of a safe corridor to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. The situation in Sudan remains dire, with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seizing control of El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, on October 26. The RSF's actions have resulted in massacres of civilians, raising concerns about the potential geographical partition of the country.
The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which began on April 15, 2023, has led to thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions. Despite regional and international mediation efforts, a resolution has not yet been reached.