Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry urged the Group of Seven (G7) countries to back the ceasefire in Gaza, in line with the UN General Assembly resolution on the issue, during a phone call with his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani on Saturday.
According to a statement from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, Shoukry emphasized that “a comprehensive and immediate ceasefire in Gaza is the only way to end the crisis and reduce the violence in the region.”
He also called on the G7, which is chaired by Italy, to play a political and moral role in supporting the ceasefire and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, as well as preventing any Israeli attempts to displace Palestinians from their land.
The statement said that the two ministers discussed the humanitarian and security situation in Gaza, and the Italian minister thanked Egypt for its role in facilitating the arrival of Italian aid to the area.
Additionally, Shoukry and Tajani talked about the regional tensions related to the Gaza situation, including the situation in Lebanon and the security of navigation in the Red Sea.
They agreed on the need to intensify efforts at the regional and international levels to limit the spread of conflict and to promote de-escalation and dialogue among the parties, in support of regional and international peace and security.
In another call with Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, Shoukry reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to continue its political and diplomatic efforts, in coordination with key international actors, to overcome the obstacles posed by Israel to the entry of aid to Gaza.
He also stressed the importance of providing full political support to the UN humanitarian coordinator, who was tasked by the Security Council resolution to expedite the delivery of aid to the Gaza Strip.
The two ministers agreed to continue their cooperation and support to ensure full and sustainable access of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people.
