Egypt’s foreign minister paid a visit to Israel on Sunday, saying that his country remains a “steadfast and unwavering” supporter of a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians but warning that conditions for achieving that are deteriorating.
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Shoukry has been in the region recently on other business.
Egypt was the first Arab country to recognize Israel after signing a peace treaty with the Jewish state in 1979. He cited the track records of both Egypt and Jordan as an example for the P.A.to follow.
“If we are able to solve the issue of our Palestinian brothers it will achieve warmer peace I ask that the Israeli leadership allow this speech to be broadcast in Hebrew one or two times as this is a genuine opportunity, ” Al-Sisi said.
He added that the vision of two states living side by side was “not far-fetched” and called for confidence-building measures that could lead to renewed peace talks.
Promising Egyptian support for any negotiations, Mr. Shoukry outlined his country’s commitment to a “just, comprehensive and sustainable resolution for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict”, acknowledging its significance in securing broader Middle Eastern peace and security.
However, ties have been formally cold over Israel’s policies toward the Palestinians, and relations further soured after the June 2012 election of the Muslim Brotherhood’s Mohamed Morsi as Egyptian president. Netanyahu returned home Friday from a tour of east Africa, where he praised El-Sisi and expressed hope that Egypt would help Israel widen its circle of alliances.
There has been a push in recent months by the so-called Mideast Quartet and the French government to restart the peace process.
The settlers in Kiryat Arba live right in the center of the Palestinian area where they are protected by thousands of Israeli soldiers, while Palestinians face restricted movement due to military checkpoints.
It pointed to Israel’s continued expansion of settlements in disputed territory and the P.A.’s inability to control the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.
In a measured but laconic statement Sunday, Israel’s top law enforcement officer hinted that he may make the details of the allegations public – but only when doing so would not undermine the probe. “We greatly value the trust on both sides and the worldwide community in our commitment to peace, stability and justice”.
Finally, al-Hayat al-Jadida reported Secretary-General of PLO Executive Committee Saeb Erekat as holding the Israeli government responsible for the outcomes of disseminating the culture of incitement, violence and racism.
Binyamin Netanyahu has said he would be willing to discuss the Arab peace plan but changes would have to be made. Following a meeting in Rome with Kerry and other foreign representatives two weeks ago, he reiterated his position.
Egyptian FM reiterates necessity of two-state solution in rare Israel visit – Politics – Egypt -.
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The diplomatic source said Shoukry’s visit to Tel Aviv aims to look for new horizons in the region, particularly amid the current thorny files and the threats of terrorism and extremism facing the region.
