Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shukri listens to a question during an interview with the Associated Press,Thursday, July 17, 2014 in Cairo, Egypt (Photo: AP)
Egypt's foreign minister says its proposal for a cease-fire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas is gaining momentum, calling it the only viable way to stop an "intolerable humanitarian situation" in Gaza.
The plan has been widely endorsed by the Arab League, it has been endorsed by the European Union... and it continues to gain momentum in terms of recognition," Sameh Shoukry said Thursday in an interview with The Associated Press.
The plan, which includes easing access to Gaza, was accepted by Israel this week but rejected by Hamas, which said it had never been consulted, a claim Shoukry denied.
More than 230 Palestinians and an Israeli have been killed in 10 days of cross-border fighting.
Short link: