Egyptian Foreign Minister Arrives in Beirut with Aid, Urges Swift End to “Israeli Aggression”.

Beirut: Egyptian Foreign Minister, Badr Abdel-Aaty, arrived in Beirut on Wednesday delivering urgent relief and medical supplies aboard an Egyptian aircraft. Abdel-Aaty was welcomed at Rafik Hariri International Airport by Lebanon's caretaker Environment Minister Nasser Yassin, Egyptian Ambassador Alaa Moussa, and Foreign Ministry Protocol Chief Osama Khachab. Delegated by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Abdel-Aaty emphasized Egypt's solidarity with Lebanon in its crisis. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Abdel-Aaty stated, "I am here on the directive of President Sisi to convey a message of full solidarity and support from the Egyptian leadership, government, and people to our Lebanese brothers and sisters." Assuring that Egypt would 'leave no effort spared' to secure an immediate halt to the conflict, Abdel-Aaty said, 'Egypt stands firmly with Lebanon and will continue offering all possible forms of support to aid the Lebanese people during this ordeal.' Abdel-Aaty noted that this delivery marks the fourth shipment in an ongoing Egyptian airlift to Lebanon. "This aid is not a gift from Egypt but a duty and responsibility towards Lebanon, and our efforts will persist under President Sisi's guidance,' he affirmed. "We will tirelessly press for an end to this aggression, coordinating with regional and international partners, including the United States, France, the European Union, and allies in the Arab world." Abdel-Aaty announced plans to meet with Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Joseph Aoun, and political leader Walid Jumblatt. "The core objective is to convey Egypt's support and listen to the perspectives of senior Lebanese leaders," Abdel-Aaty explained, stressing Egypt's determination to halt the hostilities through collaboration with Arab, Islamic, and global allies, including China, Russia, Brazil, and India. "All these efforts converge on a single goal: stopping this aggression and the systematic violence, which the int ernational community's silence only exacerbates." Abdel-Aaty acknowledged discussions on other pressing Lebanese issues, including the presidential vacancy. 'Egypt supports strengthening Lebanese institutions, including the presidency and national army,' he noted. "However, linking the presidential election to a ceasefire is unacceptable; both issues should proceed independently. While Lebanon urgently needs a president during these critical times, Egypt firmly rejects external pressure or conditionality in this matter." Reflecting on the recent Arab League summit, Abdel-Aaty described it as "highly significant and timely," noting that a six-nation ministerial committee, including Egypt, was created to amplify Arab diplomatic efforts. 'International hesitation does not deter us from exerting pressure on Israel,' Abdel-Aaty stated, pledging ongoing engagement with the U.S. and European allies to urge Israel's government to cease its actions across Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. "Our communication w ith the current U.S. administration remains active, and we anticipate working with the incoming administration on halting Israeli aggression,' Abdel-Aaty said. 'Allowing this aggression to continue until the January 20 transition of the U.S. presidency is unacceptable; all Arab and like-minded nations must intensify efforts now to prevent further escalation that could draw the region into broader conflict.' In turn, Minister Yassin welcomed the Egyptian delegation, extending gratitude to the Egyptian government, people, and President Sisi. 'Lebanon turns to Egypt in times of crisis, and once again, Egypt stands beside us with sincere and unwavering support,' Yassin stated. Yassin finally praised Egypt's diplomatic stance, stressing that "an immediate ceasefire is the only path forward." He added, 'The relief Egypt provides is invaluable, especially as we urgently need these supplies.'