Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has called for the full and faithful implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, emphasizing the need to transition to the second phase of the deal to ensure lasting peace.

“Since the first phase has been completed, we should now begin discussions and consultations on the second phase. The ultimate goal is to sustain the ceasefire agreement,” Abdelatty said at a joint press conference in Cairo with European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica.

Egypt condemns aid restrictions

Abdelatty criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to halt humanitarian aid to Gaza, condemning it as an act of collective punishment and a violation of international humanitarian law, Xinhua reported.

He stressed that Egypt is actively working with the U.S. and Qatar to facilitate the agreement’s implementation, maintain the ceasefire, and ensure the continuous delivery of humanitarian assistance.

“We continue our intensive efforts to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire and to initiate negotiations on the second phase,” Abdelatty stated.

Call for a Palestinian state

The Egyptian foreign minister reiterated that establishing an independent Palestinian state is the only viable path to long-term regional security and stability. He also highlighted Europe’s crucial role, both politically in maintaining peace and economically in the future reconstruction of Gaza.

Progress on ceasefire negotiations

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in place since January 19, followed over 15 months of conflict in Gaza. The first phase of the agreement ended on Saturday.

Hamas has expressed readiness to negotiate the second phase, but Israel has proposed extending the initial phase until after Ramadan and Passover, which ends on April 20. Under this framework, Hamas would release half of the hostages on the first day, with the remaining captives freed at the end of the period if a permanent ceasefire is reached.

Egypt remains a key mediator in the peace process, pushing for continued negotiations to achieve a lasting resolution to the conflict.