Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reaffirmed on Tuesday that Cairo is intensifying efforts, alongside Qatar and in coordination with the United States, to revive the ceasefire agreement in Gaza originally brokered on January 19. Abdelatty made the remarks during a press conference in Cairo following a meeting with Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji. Abdelatty emphasized Egypt’s commitment to halting the ongoing bloodshed in Gaza, stating, “We continue to exert genuine and uninterrupted efforts to return to the ceasefire and alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.”
Rajji echoed calls for de-escalation, urging the international community to pressure Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon amid growing cross-border clashes involving Hezbollah and Israeli forces.
The war in Gaza, which erupted after the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel, has claimed over 51,000 Palestinian lives, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Most casualties are reported to be women and children, though the ministry does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths. Israel says it has killed approximately 20,000 militants during its campaign but has not released corroborating evidence. The conflict began after Hamas militants stormed southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people — mostly civilians — and kidnapping 251 hostages. As of April 2025, 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with 24 believed to be alive.
Hamas has stated it will only release the remaining hostages if Israel agrees to a full military withdrawal, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and a permanent ceasefire. In contrast, Israeli officials have vowed to continue military operations until all hostages are freed and Hamas is dismantled or expelled. Israel has also declared its intent to maintain control over “security zones” in Gaza indefinitely.
Egypt’s mediation, long seen as crucial in regional diplomacy, continues amid growing humanitarian concerns and international demands for a sustainable ceasefire.
