Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry had a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on May 9, focusing on the security and humanitarian situation in Rafah, Palestine, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Ahmed Abu Zeid, reported.
The discussion between the ministers centered on the critical phase of the ongoing negotiations in Cairo aimed at reaching a ceasefire that would halt hostilities and facilitate the exchange of prisoners and detainees.
Minister Shoukry emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire and both ministers agreed on the importance of urging the parties involved to show flexibility and make necessary efforts to reach a truce agreement that ends the humanitarian tragedy and allows for the full and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid to meet the immediate needs of Gaza’s inhabitants.
Furthermore, Minister Shoukry reiterated to his American counterpart the dangers posed by Israeli military operations in the Palestinian area of Rafah, which could have disastrous humanitarian consequences for over 1.4 million Palestinians and security repercussions affecting regional stability and security.
This view was concurred by Secretary Blinken, with both ministers expressing firm opposition to the forced displacement of Palestinians from their lands.
Ambassador Abu Zeid also mentioned that the ministers discussed the implications of the military operations and Israeli control over the Rafah crossing from the Palestinian side, as well as the potential long-term risks if this situation persists.
The ministers agreed to continue their close consultations and coordination to encourage the parties to reach a comprehensive truce in Gaza and put an end to the humanitarian crisis in the territory.
