Daijiworld Media Network - Cairo

Cairo, Mar 3: Egyptian foreign minister Badr Abdelatty has reaffirmed the urgent need for the full and faithful implementation of the ongoing ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in Gaza, stressing the importance of moving to the second phase for a lasting truce.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Cairo with European commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica, Abdelatty said, "Since the first phase has been completed, we should now begin discussions and consultations on the second phase. The ultimate goal is to sustain the ceasefire agreement."

Slamming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's move to block humanitarian aid to Gaza, Abdelatty said using aid as a weapon of collective punishment is unacceptable and a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, Xinhua news agency reported.

He further stated that Egypt is closely coordinating with the US and Qatar, holding discussions and hosting delegations to ensure the ceasefire's sustainability and the smooth flow of humanitarian assistance.

"We continue our intensive efforts to maintain the ceasefire and push for negotiations on the next phase," he added.

Reiterating Egypt’s firm stance, he stressed that establishing a Palestinian state remains the only viable path to long-term peace and stability in the region. He also underlined Europe's crucial political and economic role in regional stability and Gaza’s future reconstruction.

The current ceasefire agreement, implemented since January 19 after over 15 months of conflict, has reached the end of its first phase. While Hamas has expressed readiness to negotiate the next phase, Israel has proposed extending the existing ceasefire until after Ramadan and Passover, which ends on April 20. The Israeli proposal suggests a phased release of hostages, contingent on achieving a permanent ceasefire.