Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty met with European Union Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process Christophe Bigot in Cairo on Sunday. Abdel-Aty reviewed Egypt's efforts, in coordination with Qatar and the United States, to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, facilitate the exchange of hostages and detainees, and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the strip. He warned of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and criticised Israel's ongoing obstruction of aid access. The minister expressed Egypt's readiness to host a conference on early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza once a ceasefire is reached. He reiterated Egypt's rejection of any forced displacement of Palestinians and called for an immediate halt to Israeli aggression. Abdel-Aty also raised concerns about the escalating violence in the West Bank, warning of the consequences of continued Israeli military operations in Palestinian towns and villages. He condemned repeated settler attacks against Palestinian civilians. The minister reaffirmed Egypt's support for an international peace conference on resolving the Palestinian issue under the joint chairmanship of France and Saudi Arabia. He underscored the importance of expanding international recognition of Palestine and establishing a Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, describing it as the only path to sustainable peace, security, and stability in the region. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
