Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed the development in Gaza with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in a call on Sunday, press reported. According to a statement by Ahmed Abu Zeid, spokesperson of the ministry, both officials discussed the efforts to contain the crisis in Gaza as well as facilitate the entry of more humanitarian aid to the besieged city. They also highlighted the importance of overcoming any obstacles that may threaten the continuation of truce in Gaza. Shoukry emphasised the need to use this truce as a way to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire, and to ensure adequate and sustainable humanitarian assistance to all areas of Gaza. He also stressed the importance of international efforts to achieve this goal. These include the implementation of the Security Council's resolution issued in November on the establishment of a truce and humanitarian corridors in Gaza to help assist with the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the strip. He also gave a briefing to his American counterpart on the contacts and tours conducted by the Arab-Islamic ministerial committee. He also explained the important role of the permanent members of the Security Council in stopping the ongoing attacks in Gaza. These should be implemented to help end the unprecedented violations of international law and international humanitarian law by Israel. Blinken praised Egypt's efforts to contain the crisis and limit its repercussions, as well as the close cooperation to reach a temporary truce agreement. The truce resulted in the entry of more aid shipments to Gaza, and the release of two batches of Israeli and Palestinian hostages.
