During the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro on Monday (local time), U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held talks focusing on the escalating situation in Gaza and Lebanon.
The discussion, which took place on the sidelines of the global summit, emphasized the urgent need to establish a clear post-conflict framework for Gaza that addresses governance, security, and reconstruction.
A statement from Blinken’s spokesperson, Matthew Miller, revealed that the two leaders highlighted the importance of securing the release of hostages held by armed groups in Gaza, alongside ensuring the steady and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid to the region. Both officials stressed the necessity of planning for Gaza’s recovery and stability following the ongoing conflict, with a specific focus on rebuilding infrastructure and establishing long-term governance structures.
In addition to the situation in Gaza, Blinken and Abdelatty also discussed efforts to bring about a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in Lebanon. Their conversation centered around the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which aims to resolve the border disputes and allow displaced citizens to return to their homes on both sides of the Lebanese-Israeli border.
These talks reflect growing international concerns about the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East and the need for a concerted diplomatic effort to bring lasting peace and stability to the region.
On the sidelines of the G20 summit, Blinken also engaged with foreign ministers from various countries, discussing issues ranging from support for Haiti’s transitional government to the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan Al Jubair
