CAIRO – 16 August 2025: Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty held a phone conversation on Friday with Mr. Johann Wadephul, German Foreign Minister, as part of their ongoing consultations on regional developments, particularly the situation in Gaza.
During the call, Minister Abdelatty briefed his German counterpart on the latest catastrophic humanitarian and medical conditions in the Gaza Strip, the progress of ceasefire negotiations, and Egypt’s ongoing efforts to ensure the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid. He stressed the urgent need to remove all Israeli-imposed obstacles preventing full and unconditional access to assistance.
The conversation also addressed the severe negative impact of recent Israeli statements and policies. Minister Abdelatty warned against the dangerous implications of the so-called "Greater Israel" vision and the continued establishment of settlement units in occupied Jerusalem. Both ministers agreed these developments pose a serious threat to regional security and stability.
Minister Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s strong condemnation of Israeli efforts to expand military operations in Gaza and accelerate settlement expansion in the West Bank, viewing these moves as attempts to entrench the occupation of Palestinian territories. He emphasized that such policies undermine prospects for calm and peace, calling on the European Union to take concrete steps to curb the Israeli escalation.
Both sides also expressed full rejection of the policy of starving the Palestinian population and the ongoing deterioration of humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Abdelatty condemned Israel’s repeated violations as blatant breaches of international law, international humanitarian law, and global norms.
He also expressed appreciation for the German government’s recent decision to suspend arms and military equipment exports to Israel that could be used in operations in Gaza, describing it as a positive and responsible step.
For his part, Minister Wadephul welcomed Egypt’s tireless efforts to achieve a ceasefire and facilitate the delivery of aid.
The call concluded with discussions on the Iranian nuclear file. Minister Abdelatty underscored the need for a peaceful resolution, de-escalation, and avoidance of military options to preserve regional stability.
Earlier this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that he is on “a historic and spiritual mission,” expressing strong attachment to the “Greater Israel” vision.
The term “Greater Israel” is widely used to describe a religiously driven ideology among Zionist extremists, envisioning an Israeli state that extends into parts of modern-day Egypt, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon.
Netanyahu’s remarks sparked widespread Arab condemnation, including from Egypt, which called for clarification in light of their serious implications. Egypt’s Foreign Ministry emphasized that such statements reflect a rejection of the peace path and a deliberate move toward escalation.
Sat, Aug. 16, 2025
