Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry received on Thursday 9/5/2024 a phone call from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss developments in the Palestinian territories, particularly the situation in Rafah.
Spokesman for the Foreign Ministry Ahmed Abu Zeid said the phone call focused on security and humanitarian developments in Rafah and the progress of negotiations hosted by Cairo to cease-fire in Gaza and release detainees and captives.
Shourky underlined the need to reach a ceasefire as soon as possible with the full delivery of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
The foreign minister also warned against the serious impacts of the Israeli operation in Rafah.
Blinken expressed his appreciation for Egypt’s ongoing efforts to reach an immediate ceasefire that secure the release of detainees and captives, and discussed with Shoukry ongoing diplomacy to prevent the conflict from spreading, according to a press release issued by the US Department of State.
Secretary Blinken reaffirmed US President Joe Biden’s clear position that the United States does not support a major military operation in Rafah and the United States’ rejection of any forced displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.
The Secretary also expressed the United States’ support for the reopening of Rafah crossing and the continued flow of urgently needed humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip
