Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry reiterated Egypt’s support for all efforts aimed at ending the war in Gaza and facilitating a prisoner swap deal during a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday.

Shoukry and Blinken discussed a proposal recently outlined by US President Joe Biden for a ceasefire in Gaza, as well as the mediation efforts led by Egypt, Qatar, and the US.

Shoukry emphasized Egypt’s backing for immediate and permanent ceasefire measures and ensuring unrestricted access to aid.

He called for the opening of all ground crossings between Israel and Gaza to enable the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

He underscored the importance of providing secure conditions for global relief agencies operating in Gaza.

Shoukry and Blinken agreed to maintain close coordination to pursue an end to the Gaza war and address the escalating humanitarian crisis in the strip.

During a speech at the White House on Friday, Biden outlined an Israeli proposal to end the war in Gaza, stating that “it’s time for this war to end” and urging Hamas to accept the plan.

The plan consists of three phases, starting with a six-week ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in Gaza.

Biden mentioned that the plan includes the exchange of captives, with some being released in return for Palestinian prisoners.

The deal also involves a significant increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza, with 600 aid-loaded shipments entering the strip daily.

The second phase of the plan includes the release of all remaining captives while transitioning the ceasefire into a “permanent cessation of hostilities,” according to Biden.

The Israeli proposal has garnered international support, and Biden expressed his urging for Israeli leadership to stand behind the deal despite any political pressures.

 

As part of the first phase of the proposal, Israeli media citing the London newspaper Al-Majlah reported that 33 captive civilians held by Hamas will be released in exchange for a corresponding number of Palestinians being freed from Israeli prisons.

The second phase aims for a permanent peace, complete cessation of military activities, and full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

The final phase of the plan involves the transfer of bodies and remains between Israel and Hamas while implementing a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza under international supervision.

This stage is expected to bring an end to the siege on Gaza, according to the reports.

Negotiations in Cairo

On Sunday, officials from Egypt, the United States, and Israel are scheduled to convene in Cairo to discuss the reopening of the Rafah border crossing.

The Rafah crossing had served as a crucial entry point of aid since the Israeli war started on October 7 but has been closed since Israel took control of the Gazan side of the crossing on May 7.

Progress in the talks has been hindered over the past three weeks due to Israel’s move and its incursion into Rafah city. However, there is renewed hope with the introduction of a new proposal.

Hamas, which has maintained its demand for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, has expressed a “positive” view of the proposal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Egypt Today