Egypt rejects Israel planned expansion of operations in Gaza: FM to German counterpart
FM Abdelatty said this to his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, during a phone call on Sunday evening.
During the call, Abdelatty welcomed Germany's recent announcement of suspending exports of arms to Israel that could be used in military operations in the Gaza Strip.
He also called on the European Union to take swift action to halt this dangerous Israeli escalation.
Abdelatty confirmed that the Israeli decision aims to entrench Israel's unlawful occupation of the Palestinian territory, according to a statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.
Moreover, he reiterated Egypt's firm rejection of the Israeli policy of starvation and systematic killing of Palestinians, stressing that Israel's repeated violations constitute a blatant breach of international law and international humanitarian law.
Both ministers also discussed the catastrophic humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip, the statement added.
In this respect, Abdelatty reviewed Egypt's tireless efforts to ensure the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, affirming that Israel should stop hindering the entrance of humanitarian and relief assistance.
He also highlighted Cairo's ongoing arrangements for hosting the International Conference on Early Recovery and Reconstruction of Gaza once a ceasefire agreement is reached.
For his part, the German foreign minister expressed his sincere appreciation for Egypt's intensive efforts to achieve a ceasefire and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Wadephul also praised Egypt's efforts in preparation for hosting the conference on Gaza's early recovery, expressing Germany's desire to participate as the conference's co-sponsor.
He also concurred that the expansion of Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip would constitute a gravely dangerous move.
The call came hours after Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Friday a halt to licenses and deliveries of weapons that could be used in killing Palestinians in Gaza.
Berlin's decision came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to expand military operations and take control of Gaza.
The move represents a significant shift as Germany is Israel's second-largest arms supplier after the US.
During an interview with public broadcaster ARD on Sunday, Merz said the expansion of Israel's operations in Gaza would claim hundreds of thousands of civilian lives and require the evacuation of the entire city of Gaza.
"Where are these people supposed to go?" Merz said. "We can't do that, we won't do that, and I will not do that."
However, he affirmed that Germany's position towards supporting Israel will remain unchanged.
"Germany has stood firmly by Israel's side for 80 years. That will not change," Merz said.
Abdelatty had previously held several calls with Wadephul, who visited Cairo in mid-June as tensions escalated following the Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, which killed top military leaders and scientists.
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