Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty stressed the importance of ensuring security protection for the Egyptian diplomatic mission in the Netherlands during a phone call received on Monday from Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, the Foreign Ministry said. Abdel-Aty pointed to the Dutch side's responsibility under international law to protect the embassy from any violations. He expressed Egypt's deep dissatisfaction with the recent assault on its embassy building, stressing the need to prevent its recurrence, warning that failure to do so could prompt Egyptian measures. Veldkamp voiced regret over the isolated incident outside the Egyptian embassy in The Hague. He said he had spoken with the relevant security authorities and that the Netherlands intended to reinforce security around the embassy in line with its international obligations. He underlined the close ties between the two countries, rooted in mutual respect and shared interests, and said his country sought to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in economic, trade and investment fields. The two ministers also discussed regional developments, especially the dire situation in the Gaza Strip. Abdel-Aty said Egypt was pressing for a truce that would halt hostilities, allow unrestricted entry of aid, and secure the release of Palestinian prisoners. He noted that Hamas had accepted most elements of US envoy Steve Witkoff's proposal, and stressed the need for Israel to agree. Abdel-Aty reviewed his recent visit to Rafah crossing with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, highlighting its continuous operation on the Egyptian side, and urged pressure on Israel to open crossings linking it with Gaza. He called on the Netherlands to use its role within the European Union to help end the humanitarian disaster in Gaza. He also briefed Veldkamp on Egypt's preparations to host the international conference on early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza once a ceasefire is reached. Veldkamp praised Egypt's positive role in efforts to secure a ceasefire, ensure aid access, and support the Palestinian people in their current ordeal. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
