Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Saturday called for the start of the second phase of ceasefire talks in Gaza, and for sufficient humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Abdelatty made the remarks in Cairo at a press conference after meeting with Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdulla Khaleel. He noted that the mediators have successfully resolved the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and it is now time to "look ahead".
He expressed hope that all parties would start negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. He also stressed the importance of making urgent efforts to ensure that aid supplies can reach the Gaza Strip without obstruction.
Under the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement, which took effect on Oct 10, the first phase of the ceasefire includes Israeli troop withdrawals from Gaza City, Rafah, Khan Younis, and the north, the exchange of hostages and prisoners, and the opening of five crossings for aid.
According to the first phase of the agreement, Israel was expected to reopen the Rafah crossing on Wednesday. Israeli authorities made their first postponement announcement on Tuesday, citing Hamas' failure to deliver the remains of all detained individuals by the agreed deadline.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said early Saturday in a statement that it had received the body of the 10th deceased Israeli hostage held in Gaza from Hamas, apart from all the remaining 20 living hostages. On Saturday evening, the IDF updated that it received the bodies of two more deceased Israeli hostages.
Earlier on Saturday, the Palestinian Embassy in Cairo said the Rafah border crossing will reopen on Monday to allow Palestinians residing in Egypt who wish to return to Gaza to pass.
However, Netanyahu's office said later in a statement that the crossing will not open until further notice, and that its opening will be under consideration in accordance with how Hamas implements its part in the return of the deceased hostages and the implementation of the agreed framework.
Israel's military campaign has killed 68,116 Palestinians and injured 170,200 others since Oct. 7, 2023, according to Gaza's health authorities. Despite the ceasefire, 27 Gazans have been killed and 143 injured since Oct. 11, the authorities said in an update on Saturday.
Egyptian FM calls for second phase of Gaza ceasefire talks
Egyptian FM calls for second phase of Gaza ceasefire talks
Egyptian FM calls for second phase of Gaza ceasefire talks
