Egypt, Russia hold talks on Gaza security arrangements ahead of UN Security Council vote

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov held consultations on Sunday regarding the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and competing draft resolutions before the UN Security Council, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said.

The phone call came on the eve of a potential vote on a US draft resolution concerning Gaza, which faces a Russian counter-proposal. According to the ministry’s statement, the two top diplomats also discussed bilateral relations, the crises in Gaza and Sudan, and the Iranian nuclear file.

On Gaza, Abdel-Aty underscored “the importance of moving forward with the implementation of all provisions of the plan announced at the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit,” which he said provides a concrete pathway toward Palestinian self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

The discussion also addressed “ongoing consultations regarding the Security Council draft resolution on developments in Gaza and security arrangements,” in light of continued deliberations among Council members.

Abdel-Aty stressed that any resolution should help solidify the ceasefire and create conditions for a just and comprehensive peace that guarantees the Palestinian people’s aspirations for statehood.

The diplomatic exchanges follow the submission of a Russian draft resolution competing with Washington’s text. On Friday, the permanent missions of Turkey, the United States, Qatar, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Pakistan and Jordan issued a joint statement backing the American draft, which they said had been prepared after extensive consultations with Council members and regional partners. The proposal was subsequently welcomed by the Palestinian leadership, according to WAFA.

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