During a phone call, both sides discussed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and the dangerous escalation in the West Bank, according to the Egyptian foreign ministry’s statement.

For his part, the Egyptian top diplomat emphasised the Egyptian stance towards the ongoing crisis, calling for an end to the Israeli aggression and the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to the Strip.

He stressed that regional peace, security, and stability would not be achieved without adhering to the agreed-upon references and the establishment of a Palestinian State over the 4 June 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Meanwhile, the UN chief expressed his appreciation for the mediation efforts undertaken by Egypt, Qatar, and the US to reach a deal whereby a ceasefire in Gaza and an exchange of prisoners and detainees are achieved. He looked forward to this deal as soon as possible.

Since the outbreak of the war in early October, Egypt has called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Egypt, along with the US and Qatar, has mediated indirect talks between Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire deal in the 11-month-old Israeli war in Gaza.

Since 7 October, Israel has killed and injured over 130,000 Palestinians, mostly children and women, damaged most of Gaza’s infrastructure, and displaced the majority of the population.