In Beirut to deliver humanitarian aid, Abdelatty says Egypt communicating with all parties 'to stop the attacks on Lebanon'

BEIRUT — Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty visited Beirut Port on Thursday to deliver a shipment of humanitarian aid amid the ongoing Hezbollah-Israel war.

"My visit to Lebanon today provides all forms of support and cooperation, and carries clear messages," he said from the port, according to local media. "What we are doing expresses our love for Lebanon, especially during this critical period. We hope these 1,000 tons of aid reach those in need, and we will continue providing what is necessary."

Since March 2, the Israeli army has killed more than 1,100 people in Lebanon, injured over 3,100 and displaced more than 1 million.

"Egypt will continue leveraging its network with regional and international parties to stop attacks on Lebanon," Abdelatty said. He condemned "Israeli aggression against Lebanon and targeting of civilian infrastructure, violating Lebanese sovereignty and international law."

Over the past week, the Israeli army destroyed several bridges over the Litani River, 30 kilometers from the border.

Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rasamny, who accompanied Abdelatty at the port, told Al-Jadeed that Lebanon has "assurances Beirut's airport and Lebanese ports will stay out of the war."

Abdelatty was then received by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. The Egyptian foreign minister affirmed that Egypt stands with Lebanon and has already provided 900 tons of emergency aid, assistance that “is only the beginning,” the Grand Serail noted on its X account.

He also highlighted Egypt’s diplomatic efforts to reduce escalation in the region and in Lebanon, while reaffirming his country’s support for the decisions of the Lebanese government.

Rasamny said Hezbollah and Amal Movement ministers will attend Thursday's Cabinet session despite earlier reports they might boycott over Tuesday's expulsion of the Iranian ambassador. Fadi Makki, an independent Shiite minister, plans to attend independently, L’Orient-Le Jour reported.

Abdelatty then visited Baabda Presidential Palace and met President Joseph Aoun. He conveyed a message from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi condemning Israeli violations of Lebanon's security, sovereignty and stability, local media reported.

"The Israeli incursion into southern Lebanon is unacceptable and violates international norms," Abdelatty said.

Egypt coordinates with France on de-escalation efforts in Lebanon. On the Lebanon and Iran wars, he said Egypt remains optimistic despite no concrete outcomes yet. He stressed supporting the Lebanese state and army to assert authority and sovereignty, ensuring weapons stay exclusively in state hands.

Aoun told Abdelatty that Israel has not responded to his direct negotiation initiative, leaving "the military situation deteriorating and increasing Lebanese suffering," the state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported.

Aoun welcomed "any Egyptian support for this initiative, given Egypt’s commitment to Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity."

"Despite the serious situation, Lebanese remain united in cohesion, solidarity and rejecting provocation toward civil war," Aoun said. "The army and security forces stay vigilant to protect displaced people in shelters, maintain civil peace and prevent unrest from any source."

Abdelatty then met Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri at Ain al-Tineh. Afterward, he noted Egypt’s readiness to meet all Lebanese requests to address the forced displacement crisis, NNA reported.

“Egypt makes every effort with the United States, France and regional parties to reduce escalation in Lebanon and prevent incursions and airstrikes targeting Lebanese resources," Abdelatty said. This accompanies Egypt’s mediation to de-escalate the Iran file and open direct Iran-U.S. channels. "If these negotiations succeed, we hope it reduces escalation not only in Iran but in brotherly Lebanon."

On whether Egypt has an initiative to stop the war, Abdelatty replied: “Certainly — it’s at the core of our efforts, proposing creative ideas for de-escalation and sparing Lebanon from Israeli attack consequences."

Berri thanked Egypt for its constant support and praised its humanitarian efforts and push to stop Israeli aggression.