CAIRO – 9 April 2025: Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized the urgent need to resume delivery of humanitarian and medical aid to reach Gaza in a phone call with US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff on Tuesday.
Egyptian calls for resumed assistance to Gaza have intensified since Israel blocked aid deliveries to the enclave on 2 March, following the expiration of the first phase of a ceasefire brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US.
Abdelatty’s phone call with Witkoff discussed the collaborative efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and the US to initiate the second phase of the ceasefire to achieve calm and de-escalation.
These discussions followed reports of a new ceasefire proposal from mediators, suggesting a truce lasting 40 to 70 days in exchange for the return of 16 captives held by Hamas, eight of whom are alive.
Israeli reports quoted an official stating that Tel Aviv will not accept the offer because it includes guarantees for a permanent cessation of hostilities and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
The proposal was allegedly presented by Egypt, although Cairo has not confirmed this through official channels.
The phone call also followed a meeting between Witkoff and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week. Israel has adhered to a proposal from Witkoff made in March, which suggests the release of 11 living captives – nearly half of those still held by Hamas – along with half of the deceased captives immediately.
Witkoff’s proposal does not oblige Israel to end the war.
Hamas has previously rejected US-Israeli plans for extending the first phase of the ceasefire, which would involve the release of more captives in exchange for a temporary truce and the entry of humanitarian aid.
Instead, Hamas advocates for transitioning to the second phase of the original agreement, which includes a complete and permanent cessation of hostilities and the release of all captives.
The movement has stated their readiness to release all captives in exchange for an end to the war, a condition Israel has rejected.
During the call with Witkoff, Abdelatty also discussed the Egyptian plan for early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza, which has received endorsement from Arab and Muslim nations, as well as support from the European Union, Japan, and other international actors.
He highlighted the importance of effective implementation of the plan, especially regarding security and governance.
The foreign minister reiterated Egypt's commitment to organizing an international conference for Gaza reconstruction in collaboration with the United Nations and the Palestinian government.
He stressed the need for a political framework that leads to a final settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, aiming for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Abdelatty expressed Egypt's eagerness to enhance coordination with the US administration to work toward achieving a just peace in the Middle East.
He noted the importance of concerted efforts to de-escalate the situation in the region and prevent the expansion of conflict, given the dire implications for the peoples of the region.
Witkoff praised the strong relations between Egypt and the US and commended Cairo's critical role in promoting regional security, peace and stability.
Wed, Apr. 9, 2025
