Cairo: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and United Nations Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres met during the 38th African Union Summit, focusing on Egypt’s initiatives related to the Gaza ceasefire. Madbouly highlighted Egypt’s role in facilitating and monitoring the ceasefire’s implementation phases.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the prime minister stressed the necessity of reinforcing efforts to maintain the ceasefire. He reaffirmed Egypt’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s rights, particularly their aspiration to establish an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the borders of June 4, 1967. This stance aligns with Egypt’s commitment to the two-state solution.

Madbouly also noted Egypt’s collaboration with regional and international partners to strengthen ceasefire and reconstruction initiatives and announced plans for an emergency Arab summit. Guterres praised Egypt’s dedication to the Palestinian cause and expressed hope for ongoing cooperation with the UN.

An emergency meeting of Arab leaders is scheduled in Cairo on February 27 to address developments in the Palestinian situation. This summit occurs amidst US President Donald Trump’s threats to control Gaza and relocate its residents, a proposition that has drawn widespread criticism.

Trump’s proposal risks undermining the two-state solution, a peaceful coexistence model for Israelis and Palestinians. The Arab League warned of the plan’s potential to destabilize the region, while the European Union emphasized Gaza’s role in a future Palestinian state.

The fragile ceasefire, effective since January 19, was brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US, following a prolonged conflict that resulted in significant casualties and destruction in Gaza. The agreement led to the release of captives by both Hamas and Israel.