Egypt Calls for Complete Execution of Gaza Ceasefire Agreement
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Synopsis
On March 3, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed the need for a complete and faithful execution of the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, calling for the transition to its second phase to secure lasting peace.
Key Takeaways
- Badr Abdelatty emphasizes the need for full ceasefire execution.
- Transitioning to the second phase is crucial for lasting peace.
- Netanyahu's halt of aid to Gaza condemned as a violation.
- Egypt coordinates with US and Qatar for ceasefire sustainability.
- Creation of a Palestinian state is vital for regional stability.
Cairo, March 3 (NationPress) Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized the critical need for the complete and faithful execution of the ongoing ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip. He highlighted the urgency of moving into the second phase of the deal to secure a lasting peace.
"With the first phase concluded, we must now initiate discussions and consultations regarding the second phase. Our primary objective is to uphold the ceasefire agreement," Abdelatty remarked at a joint press conference in Cairo alongside European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica.
Abdelatty criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for halting aid entry into Gaza, labeling the use of aid as a tool for collective punishment and starvation as both unacceptable and impermissible. He stated that this action constitutes a clear violation of international humanitarian law, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The Egyptian foreign minister underscored Egypt's active collaboration with the US and Qatar, asserting that Egypt is hosting delegations and ramping up discussions to assure the implementation of the agreement, maintain the ceasefire, and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
"We are steadfast in our efforts to guarantee the sustainability of the ceasefire and to commence negotiations for the second phase," he told the press.
He reiterated that the formation of a Palestinian state is the sole viable route to achieving long-term security and stability in the region.
He also pointed out Europe's significant role, politically in fostering regional peace and economically in aiding the forthcoming reconstruction of Gaza.
The ceasefire agreement has been in effect between Israel and Hamas since January 19, following over 15 months of deadly conflict in Gaza. The first phase of this agreement concluded on Saturday.
Hamas has expressed readiness to enter negotiations for the second phase. However, Israel has proposed a new framework intended to extend the first phase until after the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish holiday of Passover, which concludes on April 20, describing it as a proposal outlined by US envoy Steve Witkoff. According to this proposal, Hamas would release half the hostages on the initial day, with the remainder being freed at the conclusion of the period if a permanent ceasefire is established.
