UN Advisor Mladenov 'urgently heads' to Cairo to deescalate situation

The National Security Advisor Meir Ben Shabbat updated security cabinet members on Tuesday Hamas told Egypt that it is not interested in an escalation, Channel 13 reported.

NOVEMBER 13, 2019 11:21

Nickolay Mladenov (C), the United Nations Secretary-General Special Representative to the Middle East, looks at Israeli soldiers during his visit to the West Bank city of Hebron November 4, 2015. (photo credit: REUTERS) — Nickolay Mladenov (C), the United Nations Secretary-General Special Representative to the Middle East, looks at Israeli soldiers during his visit to the West Bank city of Hebron November 4, 2015.

(photo credit: REUTERS)

UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov is “urgently heading to Cairo,” a diplomatic source said.

The UN has been involved throughout the day in deescalation efforts, the source added.

A different source close to the discussions of these efforts, said, “the situation remains very complicated and the risk of escalation is high. It is too early to talk of mediation yet, the goal now is to stop the escalation.”
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A different source close to the discussions of these efforts, said, “the situation remains very complicated and the risk of escalation is high. It is too early to talk of mediation yet. The goal now is to stop the escalation.”

The National Security Advisor Meir Ben Shabbat updated the security cabinet members on Tuesday that Hamas told Egypt that it is not interested in an escalation, Channel 13 reported.

Ben Shabbat claimed that Egyptian officials contacted Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) after the funeral of PIJ Leader Bahaa Abu Al-Ata the Gaza Strip, and Hamas claimed they are not interested in escalating the situation, right after Israel voiced the same message.

Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.