Egypt has called on the European Union to step up humanitarian aid and initiate early recovery projects in Gaza following the ceasefire agreement that paused Israel’s assault on the Palestinian enclave.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with European Council President António Costa in Brussels on Sunday to discuss the crisis. Abdelatty emphasised the importance of ensuring both Israel and Palestine adhere to the ceasefire’s outlined phases and timelines, according to a statement from Egypt’s Foreign Ministry.
The minister urged the EU to play a pivotal role by supporting humanitarian relief efforts and facilitating early recovery projects to pave the way for Gaza’s reconstruction.
The ceasefire agreement, which began on Sunday, includes a three-phase plan involving prisoner exchanges and a commitment to sustained calm, aiming toward a permanent truce and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Gaza has endured immense devastation since the war began on 7 October 2023. Local health officials report nearly 47,000 Palestinians killed, primarily women and children, with over 110,700 injured. More than 11,000 people remain missing due to the destruction, compounding what has become one of the most severe humanitarian crises in recent history.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
