Sameh Shoukry to CNN: Prisoner exchange and ceasefire talks in Gaza are continuing

Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry told CNN that he spoke with the Israeli and Iranian foreign ministers to convey the importance of “maintaining calm and peace” in the region, explaining that talks on reaching an agreement on prisoners and a ceasefire in Gaza are still continuing. Shukri told the American CNN network that mutual targeting between Israel and Iran “does not in any way lead to dealing with long-term issues and conflicts in the region.”

Shukri added: “This will plunge us into a never-ending spiral of revenge that will only lead to a large-scale confrontation, with very serious consequences for the peoples of both countries.”

Shukri indicated that talks on reaching an agreement on prisoners and a ceasefire in Gaza are still ongoing, pointing out that “the talks are ongoing and have never been interrupted.

There are constant ideas being put forward, and we will continue to do so until the goal is achieved.”

In response to a question about whether it was possible for Egypt to open its doors on a temporary basis to allow the entry of Palestinian refugees from Gaza, following the military action in Rafah, Shukry said that Egypt would continue to act in the interest of the Palestinian people. “The way you do that will depend on the circumstances,” he added.

The Foreign Minister reiterated his emphasis on the importance of the two-state solution, which is in the “supreme interest” of everyone. . Shukri said: “We should not promote or speculate about any other alternative, but we will deal with any circumstances in an appropriate and humane manner.”

Shukri added that any mass displacement resulting from Israeli military operations in Rafah would be tantamount to a war crime.

Shukri said: “Displacement and any activity that aids and encourages displacement is a war crime and must be considered as such.”