CAIRO, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Monday held a phone call with Palestinian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Mustafa to discuss the situation in the Gaza Strip and the regional fallout from Israel's attacks on Iran, according to a statement from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.
Abdelatty outlined Egypt's ongoing efforts, in coordination with Qatar and the United States, to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid. He reaffirmed Egypt's strong rejection of Israel's policy of "starvation and collective punishment," describing it as a clear violation of international humanitarian law.
The Egyptian minister condemned Israel's military operations in Gaza and the West Bank, including settler incursions, and stressed the urgent need to establish a political path toward an independent Palestinian state based on the two-state solution and the Palestinian right to self-determination.
He also emphasized that the ongoing escalation in the Middle East and the military confrontation between Israel and Iran will result in dangerous repercussions for regional security and stability.
He noted that Egypt is engaged in ongoing contacts aimed at limiting military escalation, containing the situation, and promoting political and diplomatic solutions.
Israel has since early Friday launched airstrikes on the Iranian capital Tehran and other areas across the country, killing a number of Iran's top military commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians.
In response, Iran has since Friday night launched a series of missile and drone strikes on different targets in Israel, inflicting casualties and heavy damages. ■
