Egypt, Palestine Hold Talks on Trump’s Gaza Ceasefire Plan
(MENAFN) Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh held a critical phone conversation on Saturday to review the latest developments regarding the U.S. ceasefire proposal for Gaza, according to a statement from Egypt’s foreign ministry.
Abdelatty underscored the necessity for any halt in hostilities to guarantee Palestinians remain on their land without displacement, reject annexation schemes, maintain the unity of the West Bank and Gaza, and initiate prompt recovery and reconstruction efforts. The ministry’s statement quoted him saying, “a halt to fighting must ensure Palestinians remain on their land without displacement, reject annexation plans, preserve the unity of the West Bank and Gaza, and launch early recovery and reconstruction.”
He also expressed Egypt’s hope that international efforts will lead to a comprehensive ceasefire, alleviate the severe humanitarian crisis, and facilitate increased aid access to Gaza.
Al-Sheikh highlighted the need to capitalize on the “positive momentum” generated by the ceasefire proposal to end nearly two years of conflict and avert further humanitarian disaster. He lauded Egypt’s role, stating, “He praised Egypt's role in seeking to safeguard Palestinian rights.”
The discussion followed Hamas’s announcement that it had accepted the U.S. proposal in principle and was ready for mediated negotiations. Cairo welcomed this development, calling it a sign of Palestinian factions’ commitment to close a “dark chapter” in the region’s history.
Simultaneously, U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff traveled to Egypt on Saturday to negotiate finer details of the plan, including the release of hostages in Gaza, the White House confirmed. Despite U.S. calls for a ceasefire, Israeli military operations continued lethal strikes across Gaza.
The U.S. initiative demands a ceasefire, gradual Israeli troop withdrawal, international supervision of reconstruction, and a hostage-for-prisoner exchange. The proposal has drawn widespread endorsement from regional and global powers, urging both sides to seize the opportunity to halt the war and reduce civilian suffering.
Gaza health officials report that since the conflict’s outbreak on October 7, 2023, Israeli attacks have killed 67,074 Palestinians and wounded 169,430. Additionally, 459 people, including 154 children, have succumbed to famine and malnutrition.
Egypt has firmly opposed any forced displacement of Gaza residents and remains committed to collaborating with Arab, Islamic, and international partners to secure a lasting ceasefire and rebuild the enclave.
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