Egypt and Saudi Arabia Discuss Developments in Gaza and Sudan

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Ati discussed with his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan, on Monday, developments in the situation in the Gaza Strip and Sudan.

This came during a phone call between them, "within the framework of the ongoing coordination and consultation between the two countries," according to a statement from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry stated that the two sides addressed the completion of the ongoing arrangements to hold the first meeting of the Supreme Coordination Council between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, scheduled to be held in the coming period under the chairmanship of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

It added that the two ministers exchanged views on developments in the situation in the Gaza Strip.

Abdel Ati emphasized, according to the statement, the importance of ensuring the sustainability of the ceasefire, and implementing the obligations of the second phase of US President Donald Trump's plan to stop the war in Gaza.

He also stressed the necessity of implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2803, and the importance of deploying a temporary international stabilization force to monitor the ceasefire, protect civilians, and enable Palestinian forces to take over law enforcement duties in Gaza.

In November last year, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2803, related to ending the fighting and managing Gaza after the war.

Abdel Ati also emphasized the importance of ensuring unobstructed access for humanitarian aid, and preparing conditions for the start of early recovery and reconstruction.

The ceasefire agreement entered into force in October last year, ending a genocide war launched by Israel on October 8, 2023, lasting two years with American support, leaving more than 70,000 Palestinian dead and over 170,000 injured, and massive destruction affecting 90% of the civilian infrastructure, with initial losses estimated at $70 billion.

The call also addressed developments in the situation in Sudan, where the two ministers affirmed the importance of continuing coordination within the Quadripartite Mechanism (comprising Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the United States), with the aim of reaching a comprehensive ceasefire, according to the statement.

Abdel Ati emphasized the importance of providing "safe havens and safe humanitarian corridors to ensure unobstructed access for humanitarian aid."

He reiterated Egypt's firm stance supporting Sudan's unity, sovereignty, and stability, and preserving its national institutions.

The humanitarian suffering in Sudan is worsening due to the ongoing war caused by a dispute between the army and the "Rapid Support Forces" since April 2023 regarding the unification of the military institution, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of Sudanese and the displacement of 13 million people.

At the end of the call, both sides affirmed the importance of continuing close coordination and consultation in the coming period, "which contributes to supporting regional stability and enhancing joint Arab action in facing current challenges," according to the same statement.