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Egypt awaits Israel response to cease-fire plan

An Egyptian diplomat says they hope France’s increasing efforts could spur the United States to exert its influence on Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to stop the fighting as soon as possible.

Published on: May 19, 2021, 23:19:59 IST
AP | Posted by , Cairo
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An Egyptian diplomat says some of the country’s top officials are waiting for Israel’s response to a cease-fire offer, and that they expect amendments to their proposal.

Rockets are launched by Palestinian militants into Israel, in Gaza on May 12, 2021 (Reuters)
Rockets are launched by Palestinian militants into Israel, in Gaza on May 12, 2021 (Reuters)

He says they hope France’s increasing efforts could spur the United States to exert its influence on Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to stop the fighting as soon as possible.

He added that if that doesn't happen, there are some discussions among Arab and Islamic nations, along with China, to put the issue before the U.N. General Assembly in an effort to bypass the Security Council and the US’s veto power there.

The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

Egypt has been trying to broker a cease-fire between neighboring Israel and Hamas, as it is one of a handful of countries that maintains official ties with both.

  • Harshit Sabarwal
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    Harshit Sabarwal

    Online journalist based in New Delhi. I read about global conflicts and the drug war in Mexico.