Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty has reiterated Egypt's categorical rejection of the Israeli cabinet's decision to expand military operations in Gaza and entrench Israel's occupation of the Strip, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Monday. In a phone call with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Abdel-Aty warned that the decision poses extreme dangers and will lead to further deterioration and instability in Gaza. He stressed the need for a clear stance against the move and urged the European Union to act swiftly to stop the dangerous Israeli escalation. Abdel-Aty said the decision aims to consolidate Israel's illegal occupation of Palestinian territories. He reaffirmed Egypt's total rejection of Israel's policy of starvation and systematic killing of Palestinians, calling repeated Israeli violations a blatant breach of international law and international humanitarian law. The minister welcomed the German government's announcement to suspend arms and military equipment exports to Israel that could be used in military operations inside Gaza. The two ministers also discussed the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza. Abdel-Aty briefed his German counterpart on Egypt's relentless efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to the enclave and stressed the need for Israel to stop obstructing the entry of relief supplies. He outlined ongoing arrangements for Egypt to host an international conference on early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza once a ceasefire is reached. Wadephul expressed Germany's full appreciation for Egypt's efforts to secure a ceasefire and deliver aid to Gaza, and for its plans to host the conference, confirming Berlin's readiness to participate at a high level and co-sponsor the event. He agreed with Abdel-Aty on the grave risks posed by the expansion of Israeli military operations in Gaza. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
