Egyptian FM urges int'l pressure on Israel to accept Gaza ceasefire proposal

CAIRO - Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Tuesday urged the international community to pressure Israel into accepting the latest Gaza ceasefire proposal, affirming that it would help alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Abdelatty made the remarks during separate phone talks with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, and Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh, on the Palestinian issue, according to a statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

Abdelatty reviewed the mediation efforts undertaken by Egypt in cooperation with Qatar and the United States to reach a ceasefire, facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid, and secure the release of a number of hostages and prisoners, according to the statement.

He also addressed the ongoing preparations for an international conference on Gaza's early recovery and reconstruction, which will be hosted as soon as a ceasefire agreement is reached.

The officials affirmed their full support for Egypt's efforts and its role in bolstering security and stability in the region, according to the statement.

Hamas and other Palestinian factions have announced their agreement to the Gaza ceasefire proposal presented by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, according to a Hamas statement on Monday.

Egyptian sources confirmed to Egypt's Al Qahera News TV channel that the proposal includes a temporary halt to military operations and the redeployment of Israeli forces to facilitate the entry of aid sufficient to meet the Gaza Strip's needs.

During the pause, a prisoner exchange is set to take place, involving the release of 10 living Israeli detainees and 18 bodies -- half of the 36 bodies held by Hamas -- in return for Palestinian prisoners.

However, a senior Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said on Tuesday that Israel is demanding the release of all hostages still held in Gaza.