Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry held phone talks on Sunday with his Norwegian counterpart Espen Barth Eide, during which they discussed efforts to end the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and contain the humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
“The two ministers discussed the international efforts made to stop the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and the recent moves to expand the base of countries wishing to recognize the Palestinian state,” said the Egyptian Foreign Ministry in a statement.
They also discussed measures to ensure the implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, the latest of which is Resolution 2728, which was adopted in late March, demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Shoukry and Eide also addressed ways to revive the peace process to settle the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict, according to the statement.
They called on Israel to cease its assaults on Palestinian civilians and international relief workers in Gaza, and to open all land crossings between Israel and Gaza for effective delivery of humanitarian assistance to the besieged region.
The Egyptian and Norwegian foreign ministers voiced their opposition to any Israeli ground military actions in Rafah, warning it would lead to “catastrophic humanitarian repercussions” and “heavy loss of life.” ■
