Egyptian diplomacy efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire are gaining momentum. For the first time in over twelve years, an Israeli foreign minister, Ashkenazi, is visiting Egypt. On the same day, Egyptian intelligence chief Kamel is meeting with Israeli and Palestinian politicians.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi (Blue and White) flew to Cairo on Sunday. There he met with his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry (independent). It was the first official visit by an Israeli foreign minister to Egypt in more than twelve years.
Ashkenazi later wrote on Twitter that he had concluded an "important official visit" with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. Among other things, the talks focused on improving cooperation in economics and trade. "Egypt is an important regional ally, committed to security and stability, and to maintaining and expanding peace in the region."
Reconstruction without strengthening Hamas
According to the Israeli newspaper "Ma'ariv," the conversation also addressed the challenges of preventing Hamas from regaining strength. Ashkenazi reportedly said that Israel would not allow a situation "in which the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip enables Hamas to rebuild its terrorist capabilities." The whereabouts of two soldiers killed by the terrorist group and two abducted civilians also needed to be clarified.
During the meeting with Shukri, the Israeli minister criticized the Palestinian Authority's (PA) conduct at international forums such as the International Criminal Court and the UN Human Rights Council. He said it was damaging the chances for future cooperation.
He praised Egypt's historic contribution to a breakthrough for peace between Israel and its neighbors. The country was the first Arab state to sign a peace agreement with Israel in 1979. "Operation 'Guardians of the Walls' and the expansion of the circle of states with which Israel has peace treaties have created an opportunity to strengthen relations and cooperation between Israel and the Arab states," Ashkenazi is quoted as saying in the article.
In November 2008, the then Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni (then Kadima) visited the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. There she met with representatives of the Middle East Quartet – comprised of the US, Russia, the EU, and the UN. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas (Fatah) was also present at the summit.
Egyptian intelligence chief in Jerusalem and Ramallah
Egypt brokered the ceasefire following the latest Gaza conflict. It also invited Israel, Hamas, and the Palestinian Authority to talks in Cairo to achieve a long-term truce.
On Sunday, Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel traveled to Israel. In Jerusalem, he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Likud). He, too, demanded the return of the dead soldiers and the living civilians from Gaza. According to a statement from Netanyahu's office, the politicians also discussed ways to prevent Hamas from regaining strength in the future – and the fact that it uses resources against the civilian population. Israeli Intelligence Minister Eli Cohen (Likud) and the chairman of the National Security Council, Meir Ben-Shabbat, were also present at the meeting.
Intelligence chief Kamel also visited Ramallah, where he met with Palestinian Authority President Abbas. The discussion focused on the latest developments regarding the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and on reconstruction efforts, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA. (Israelnetz)
