CAIRO, Aug 24 (MENA) – Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriates Badr Abdelatty voiced deep concern over growing reports on humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip that confirmed the existence of famine, stressing urgent need for international community to assume its responsibilities to end Israel’s blatant crimes and violations.
During a phone call Sunday the Egyptian foreign minister and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul – as part of regular consultations on regional developments, foremost among them the situation in Gaza – the two ministers discussed the catastrophic humanitarian conditions in the enclave.
Abdelatty highlighted Israel’s obligations under international law as the occupying power to ensure the delivery of humanitarian and medical supplies.
He briefed his German counterpart on Egypt’s efforts to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, noting in this context the ongoing preparations for Egypt to host the International Conference on Early Recovery and Reconstruction in Gaza once a ceasefire agreement is reached.
The minister also updated Wadephul on the latest developments in ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, especially following Hamas’ approval of the proposal, underscoring the crucial importance of Israel’s response to the proposal and the implementation of its elements to resolve the current crisis, alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and ensure sufficient flow of aid to meet the needs of the Palestinian people.
Abdelatty warned that Israel’s continued expansion of military operations in the Strip would only further inflame the already volatile situation, and that Israel’s rejection of the proposed initiatives undermines regional and international efforts aimed at peace and stability in the region.
On the Iranian nuclear file, he stressed the need to return to the negotiating track to enhance regional and international security, pointing out to the importance of resuming cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to avoid further tension and instability in the region.
For his part, the German foreign minister voiced appreciation for Egypt’s vigorous efforts to reach a ceasefire and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, praising Cairo’s initiative to host the recovery and reconstruction conference. He affirmed Germany’s keenness on participating in the conference and agreed on the grave dangers posed by Israel’s expanded military operations in Gaza and the severity of the humanitarian crisis inside the Strip. (MENA)
