FM, UN Gaza coordinator discuss ceasefire, humanitarian efforts

CAIRO - 20 Kuly 2026: Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty discussed developments in the occupied Palestinian territories during a phone call on Monday, July 20, 2026, with United Nations Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Tamim Khallaf said the two sides reviewed efforts to consolidate the ceasefire, ease the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and advance early recovery and reconstruction initiatives.

Abdelatty stressed the importance of completing the implementation of the first phase of the US-backed ceasefire plan and ensuring the rapid and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance.

He said aid deliveries should be increased to at least 600 trucks per day, describing that figure as the minimum required to address the enclave's urgent humanitarian needs and pave the way for the subsequent phases of early recovery and reconstruction.

The foreign minister also underscored the need for the international community to play a more active role in supporting efforts to consolidate the ceasefire.

He reiterated Egypt's call for the deployment of an international stabilization force in Gaza to help reinforce security and stability, while stressing the need for a full Israeli withdrawal from the territory.

Abdelatty also condemned what he described as ongoing Israeli violations in the occupied West Bank, including repeated incursions into religious holy sites.

He reaffirmed Egypt's rejection of Israel's annexation and settlement policies, describing them as violations of international law and major obstacles to achieving the two-state solution.

He stressed that lasting peace and stability in the Middle East can only be achieved through the restoration of the Palestinian people's legitimate and inalienable rights.

For her part, Kaag praised Egypt's role in supporting stability in Gaza and commended Cairo's continued diplomatic efforts to bridge differences between the parties, improve humanitarian conditions and advance prospects for peace and regional stability.