Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Saturday assured Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati of Cairo's full support for Lebanon, directing the immediate dispatch of aid to the country during a telephone conversation, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency. Al-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's "complete support for Lebanon" and expressed solidarity with Beirut during its critical times. He emphasized Egypt's rejection of any attempts to jeopardize Lebanon's security, stability, or sovereignty and called for an "immediate, comprehensive, and permanent ceasefire" in both Lebanon and Gaza. The Egyptian president instructed the urgent deployment of medical and relief aid to Lebanon "in solidarity with its people" and reiterated that Egypt would continue to support Lebanon on all levels. Al-Sisi warned that the international community's failure to intervene and stop aggressive actions against Palestine and Lebanon could escalate the situation, threatening regional and international stability and peace. Lebanese Prime Minister Mikati expressed gratitude for Egypt's backing, highlighting the Lebanese government's efforts to contain the situation. He praised Egypt's role in restoring regional security and stability. Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging cross-border strikes since Israel's offensive on the Gaza Strip began, a conflict that has claimed nearly 41,600 lives, mostly women and children, following a Hamas cross-border attack on Israel last Oct. 7. The international community has raised concerns that these strikes could expand the Gaza conflict into a wider regional war. — Agencies
