Egypt hopes Gaza cease-fire to ease tensions in Red Sea

Egypt hopes Gaza cease-fire to ease tensions in Red Sea

Egyptian, Iranian foreign ministers discuss regional developments, including security in Red Sea and impact of last year’s disruptions on maritime navigation

By Ibrahim Khazen

CAIRO (AA) – Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty expressed hope that the Gaza cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas would contribute to de-escalation in the Red Sea.

He made these remarks during a phone call with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Thursday, according to a statement issued by Egypt's Foreign Ministry on Friday.

Earlier, Qatar announced late Wednesday evening that it had succeeded in brokering a cease-fire agreement between Hamas and Israel, along with Egypt and the US. The initial phase, which lasts 42 days, includes the release of 33 Israelis held captive in Gaza in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, though the exact number has not been revealed.

During the call, the two ministers discussed the latest developments in Gaza. Araghchi praised Egypt's role in achieving the cease-fire, emphasizing Cairo's critical contributions to the effort.

Abdelatty stressed the importance of implementing the agreement promptly and urged all parties to adhere to its terms within the agreed timeframe.

The statement also noted that the ministers reviewed regional developments, including security in the Red Sea, and addressed the impact of last year’s disruptions on maritime navigation.

The Egyptian minister emphasized his country’s hope that the cease-fire would help restore stability, reduce tensions, and protect freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, a vital shipping lane.

In late December, the Egyptian Presidency revealed that disruptions in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait in 2024 led to losses of nearly $7 billion in Suez Canal revenues. This figure marked a decline from 2023 when official data recorded revenues of $10.25 billion.

The Houthis have targeted Israeli cargo ships or ones linked with Tel Aviv in the Red Sea with missiles and drones in a show of support for the Gaza Strip, where nearly 47,000 people have been killed in Israel’s genocidal war since October 2023.

Since early 2024, a coalition led by the US has been carrying out airstrikes that it said target Houthi locations in Yemen in response to the group’s Red Sea attacks, with occasional retaliation from the Houthis.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio

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