Egypt presses to end systematic killing of Gaza civilians, allow swift aid resumption: FM

Egypt Today

16-05-2025

Egypt's FM Badr Abdelatty speaks to Al Qahera News ahead of the 34th Arab Summit in Baghdad, May 16, 2025 – Al Qahera News
CAIRO – 16 May 2025: Arab leaders and top officials are set to meet for the 34th Arab Summit in Baghdad on Saturday, with Gaza, Sudan, Yemen, and Syria high on the agenda. Egypt's focus during the summit includes urging an end to the war in Gaza, which has persisted since October 2023.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty stated that various draft resolutions will be reviewed for adoption during the summit, including one regarding the Palestinian cause and the Arab plan for the early recovery and reconstruction of Gaza.
In an interview with Al Qahera News posted on Friday, Abdelatty emphasized the unwavering efforts by both Egypt and Qatar to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, reaffirming this objective as 'a top priority.'
'Our top priority is to halt the systematic killing of civilians in the Gaza Strip, the majority of whom are women and children, and to expedite the delivery of aid in light of the current famine conditions in Gaza,' the foreign minister said.
He added that Egypt plans to call for an international conference for Gaza reconstruction and early recovery in Cairo once a ceasefire is reached.
Abdelatty indicated a greater understanding from the US regarding the utmost importance of securing a ceasefire agreement, facilitating aid delivery and ensuring the release of all captives.
'We noted to the US side that when we reached a ceasefire agreement on January 19, we were able to secure the release of more than 31 hostages in the first phase. Thus, there is potential to release all hostages if we return to this agreement and commit to entering its second phase.'
'The major problem remains on the Israeli side, with a lack of political will to move forward towards achieving a ceasefire,' said the foreign minister.
'Our efforts have not ceased at all. The problem remains that there is a party that considers itself above the law, blatantly violating the most basic rules of international humanitarian law without accountability from the international community.'
Abdelatty stressed that Egypt relies on the US role, as well as on the international community, including the European Union, Russia, and China, to intensify pressure on the Israeli side to move forward.
The Israeli war in Gaza has been ongoing since October 2023, killing over 53,000 people and injuring more than 120,000 others.
Egypt, Qatar, and the US continue persistent efforts to mediate between Hamas and Israel to achieve a ceasefire that allows the entry of aid and a prisoner exchange deal.
While nearly all captives were released from Gaza through two ceasefires brokered by the three countries, Israel shattered a ceasefire that took effect on January 19, which had resulted in the release of 38 captives, including 30 alive.
The Israeli resumption of the war came after the expiration of the first phase of the deal in March, evading a scheduled transition to the second phase, which was set to include a permanent cessation of hostilities, the full withdrawal of Israeli troops, and the release of all remaining captives.
Hamas still holds 58 captives—at least 20 of whom are presumed alive—and has stated it will only agree to a prisoner swap if Israel approves a permanent ceasefire and withdraws its troops from the entire enclave.
Meanwhile, Israel is pressuring Hamas to accept a temporary weeks-long ceasefire that facilitates a prisoner exchange and allows humanitarian aid deliveries. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to resume attacks once the truce ends to 'destroy' Hamas.