Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a phone discussion with his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, on Thursday, focusing on the progress of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and broader regional concerns.
According to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry, the two diplomats exchanged views on key geopolitical issues, particularly the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They emphasized the importance of intensifying international efforts to ensure the ceasefire’s continued implementation, facilitate detainee exchanges, and increase humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza.
Lavrov also provided Russia’s perspective on developments in Ukraine, while both ministers discussed opportunities to further strengthen diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian ties between Russia and Egypt. They reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a close political dialogue and enhancing coordination within the United Nations.
A statement from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry highlighted discussions on a post-war reconstruction plan for Gaza, stressing the importance of ensuring that Palestinians remain on their land. Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s firm opposition to any displacement of Palestinians and underscored the need for a permanent and just resolution to the Palestinian issue.
Meanwhile, as part of the final stage of the ceasefire’s first phase, Hamas handed over the bodies of four Israeli captives early Thursday in exchange for the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners. The second phase of the agreement is expected to involve the release of all remaining hostages, further prisoner exchanges, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a permanent halt to hostilities.