Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry held a phone call with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov where they discussed the role of the UN Security Council in stopping the recent escalation in Palestinian-Israeli clashes, dubbed the “Al-Aqsa Storm”.

Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Ahmed Abu Zeid, confirmed that both ministers called for an immediate halt to the ongoing escalation in the Gaza Strip and the violent clashes between the Palestinian and Israeli sides. The UN Security Council meeting on Sunday, called for by the Brazilian Presidency of the Council, will provide a significant opportunity to discuss the escalation and attempts to end it.

The spokesperson also revealed that Shoukry stressed to his Russian counterpart the importance of the UN Security Council in shouldering its responsibility in dealing with the Palestinian issue, taking all comprehensive measures to protect Palestinian rights – foremost of which is the right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state. Egypt has a long history of mediation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and will likely play a major role in attempting to bring about a ceasefire.   

Escalation into war

The Israeli military on Saturday declared that Israel was in a ‘state of war’ after Hamas militants fired rockets and sent forces into Israeli territory.

“If you have a gun, get it out. This is the time to use it – get out with trucks, cars, axes, today the best and most honorable history starts,” Hamas military commander Muhammad Al-Deif said in a recorded message as reported by CNN. 

Israeli media on Sunday have reported 350 deaths so far in the clashes. The “Al-Aqsa Storm” operation was a series of coordinated attacks launched by Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip and Israel on Saturday.

The Izzedine al Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, announced on Sunday morning the killing of the commander of the communications battalion in the Israeli army – amid the escalation of clashes taking place since Saturday. 

The Palestinian group also reported that artillery units are supporting its fighters with rockets in Ofakim, Sderot, Yad Mordechai, and more.