Egypt's FM Stresses Need to Press Israel to Open more Crossings with Gaza Strip

Badr Abdel Aty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, stressed the need to pressure Israel to open more Israeli crossings with the Gaza Strip in the context of assuming its responsibilities as the occupying power.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed the importance of an immediate ceasefire, adherence to international legitimacy resolutions, and respect for international law and international humanitarian law, as international efforts continue to bring in the largest quantities of humanitarian aid to the residents of the Gaza Strip.

This came during the phone call that the Minister received, Thursday, from Tor Wennesland, the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, to congratulate him on assuming his new position as Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Ahmed Abu Zeid, the official spokesman, stated that the Minister of Foreign Affairs highlighted the discontinue of humanitarian aid flow and the movement of individuals through the Rafah crossing as a result of the Israeli military control over the Palestinian side.

He indicated that the resumption of the operation of the crossing depends on the availability of the Israeli will to withdraw from the crossing and acceptance of the return of the Palestinian Authority to its management, as well as launching disengagement rules to facilitate the work of international organizations and provide protection for humanitarian workers.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed the continuation of Egyptian efforts to reach a deal according to which a ceasefire and hostage exchange would take place.