Egypt steps up diplomatic efforts to stop attacks on Lebanon: FM

CAIRO – 9 April 2026: Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said Egypt has intensified contacts with international partners to halt Israeli attacks on Lebanon, during a phone call with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Thursday.

Abdelatty voiced Egypt’s unequivocal condemnation of the Israeli strikes, which have caused hundreds of casualties across multiple areas, and reaffirmed Cairo’s firm rejection of any violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

Despite a US-Iran two-week ceasefire announced early Wednesday—which mediator Pakistan said includes Lebanon—Israel launched a series of deadly airstrikes targeting Beirut and other regions across the Lebanese territory.

Lebanon’s civil defense directorate said the strikes killed at least 254 people and injured 1,165, with the toll expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue.

In response, Hezbollah said it had resumed attacks on Israel “until the Israeli-American aggression against our country and our people ceases,” firing rockets at the kibbutz of Manara early Thursday.

The Israeli military said the operation yesterday involved around 50 fighter jets striking 100 targets with about 160 munitions within 10 minutes.

 

During the call, Abdelatty warned that continued Israeli strikes on civilian infrastructure constitute a dangerous escalation and a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and norms.

He added that this aggression also represents a serious breach of the UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and threatens to expand the conflict and undermine security and stability in the entire region.

He called for an immediate cessation of military escalation, warning of the danger of sliding into further tension that could lead to serious repercussions.

The minister reiterated Egypt’s full solidarity with Lebanon and its support for strengthening Lebanese state institutions to extend sovereignty across all territory and maintain security and stability.

Both sides also stressed the need to intensify regional and international efforts to contain the escalation, protect civilians, and safeguard Lebanon’s resources, particularly amid large-scale displacement.

For his part, Salam expressed appreciation for Egypt’s consistent support and efforts to halt the Israeli attacks.