According to a statement released by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, the call addressed the joint efforts of mediation by Egypt, the United States and Qatar to release the Israeli captives, achieve calm and de-escalation, and consolidate and implement the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
They also emphasized the continuation of joint efforts to achieve security, peace, and stability in the Middle East, so that the region is free of conflict and war, and to realize the US administration’s vision of ending more than 70 years of conflict in the region.
Minister Abdelatty briefed the US official on the comprehensive modernization and development process in Egypt, led by President Abdel Fattah, and the numerous achievements made in this regard over recent years. This is in light of the positive overall indicators of the Egyptian economy, which have been praised by various international institutions, most notably the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Witkoff commended the close relations between the two countries and the important and pivotal role played by Egypt in achieving security, peace, and stability in the region. He also commended its role, along with Qatar, in trying to reach a solution that guarantees the release of hostages and the consolidation of the ceasefire in Gaza.
The Israeli forces resumed attacks on Gaza on March 18, breaking a ceasefire that had allowed for the release of dozens of captives taken by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attacks.
Extensive airstrikes targeted several parts of the enclave and ground operations were renewed, resulting in over 600 fatalities among Gazans. The US has expressed “full support for Israel and the Israeli army in the actions they have taken in recent days.”
Death toll of Palestinians from the Israeli aggression on Gaza have increased to more than 50,000 people since October 7, 2023, according to the daily report of the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza.
Egypt is seeking to restore the ceasefire and resume the entry of the humanitarian aid into the besieged Gaza Strip, where more than 1.5 million people suffer from airstrikes, and starvation. So, Egypt has presented a new proposal to the both sides, in coordination with other negotiators.
As per the proposal, Egypt is seeking a truce during Eid al-Fitr if an agreement fails, sources told Al Arabiya Monday.
The sources added that Israel wants to set a timetable for Hamas’s disarmament in the Strip, noting that an Israeli proposal to control and distribute aid was rejected.
Egypt expressed anger at Israel’s procrastination in the negotiations, the sources continued, saying that Hamas demanded further guarantees and a timetable for halting Israeli operations.
Egypt set a timeframe of one to one and a half months for the release of all prisoners and handing over bodies, the sources said, noting that Hamas offered concessions and flexibility to ensure the success of the new Egyptian plan.
However, Israel has requested a deadline to respond to the latest Egyptian proposal on Gaza.