Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. AFP
Shoukry further stressed the importance of concerted international efforts to stop the war on Gaza and launch a political process aimed at establishing an independent Palestinian state per international resolutions.
During the call, both ministers discussed the developments in the security and humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, exchanging assessments on the Israeli military operation in the Palestinian city of Rafah.
In this regard, Shoukry and Slot expressed their deep concern about the humanitarian and security consequences of the Israeli actions in Rafah, which will only result in an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe.
According to the Egyptian foreign ministry, Shoukry highlighted Israel’s policies obstructing the delivery of aid, pointing out that Israel’s control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing has prevented humanitarian aid from reaching the strip.
He stressed the need for Israel to end military operations in the vicinity of the crossing, and ensure safety for humanitarian workers to receive and distribute humanitarian aid to the residents of Gaza.
In addition, Shoukry emphasized the need for Israel to assume its humanitarian responsibilities as the occupying power and to ensure the safe delivery of aid.
For her part, the Dutch Minister expressed her appreciation for the great efforts made by Egypt to resolve the Gaza crisis, and the security risks it faces following escalations in Rafah.
She affirmed her country's position calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza as a top priority, with the aim of increasing the volume of aid entering the strip, as well as the release of captives.
Slot also stressed the Netherlands' stance in support of the two-state solution, which paves the way for the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel.
Both diplomats agreed to continue their contacts with various parties to reach an immediate ceasefire, enhance the delivery of humanitarian aid, and prevent further escalation in the region.
Early Tuesday, the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) announced that it is suspending food distribution in Rafah, due to a shortage of supplies and security concerns.
UNRWA reported that "families are living among rubble in damaged schools, without tents, essential services, or vital supplies. No place is safe in the Gaza Strip."
Since 7 October, the brutal Israeli war in the Gaza Strip has killed over 35,000 people, 70 percent of them women and children, and wounded nearly 80,000, according to the Palestinian health ministry.
Short link: