The Media Line: Egypt Warns of Regional Escalation as Cease-fire Negotiations Stumble

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty warned on Sunday of the growing risk of an all-out regional war as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah intensified. He stated that the escalating violence has severely impacted ongoing cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

“There is great concern about the possibility of an escalation in the region leading to an all-out regional war,” Abdelatty told AFP at the United Nations headquarters in New York, where world leaders are gathering for an annual summit. The rising tensions have complicated efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to broker a cease-fire and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Despite months of negotiations, Abdelatty said that while “all the components of the deal are ready,” there remains a lack of political will, particularly on the Israeli side. He criticized Israel’s “provocative policies” for the intensified fighting with Hezbollah, a group closely allied with Iran.

Abdelatty’s comments come amid a broader chorus of international calls for de-escalation, with global powers urging both Israel and Hezbollah to step back from the brink. “We are talking to our regional and international partners, including the United States, about the importance of working to stop the escalation and stop the unilateral and provocative policies that Israel is carrying out,” Abdelatty stated.

He emphasized that a regional conflict would not serve the interests of any party involved and urged for immediate steps to halt the violence. The Egyptian diplomat’s remarks followed meetings in Washington with US officials, including White House advisor Amos Hochstein, who is leading efforts to secure a truce.