In ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza before the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan, Egyptian Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, engaged in discussions with US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken on Friday.
According to a spokesperson from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, the talks focused on joint efforts to enforce a truce, leading to a ceasefire, prisoner exchange, and ensuring sustainable delivery of aid to the Gaza Strip.
These talks came amid efforts by both countries, along with Qatar, to mediate between Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire and a prisoner swap deal before Ramadan begins on Sunday.
Blinken also had a phone conversation with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. They discussed efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza for a period of at least six weeks as part of a deal that would release hostages held by Hamas and surge humanitarian assistance.
Isreal has imposed a crippling blockade on the Palestinian enclave as part of retaliatory measures since a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7 which have resulted in over 30,800 casualties and approximately 73,000 injuries alongside extensive damage to infrastructure and shortages of essential supplies.
According to the UN, the blockade imposed by Israel on the Gaza Strip has pushed about 85% of the population into displacement, leaving residents, particularly those in the northern region, on the verge of starvation amid shortages of food, clean water, and medicine.
Recall that International Court of Justice In January, issued a ruling ordering Israel to cease genocidal actions and take measures to ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.
