RAMALLAH, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty discussed developments in Gaza and the West Bank on Saturday over phone.
The call focused on efforts to implement the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire, including ensuring sustained humanitarian access to the enclave and deploying an international stabilization force to observe the ceasefire, read a press statement by al-Sheikh.
Both sides stressed the need to enable the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza to carry out its duties from within the enclave until the Palestinian Authority resumes full responsibilities, it said.
Al-Sheikh thanked Egypt for its role in supporting the Palestinian cause and halting escalation, it said.
For his part, Abdelatty condemned escalating Israeli settlement activities and violations in East Jerusalem and at Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, warning of their impact on peace prospects, it said.
He reaffirmed Egypt's support for an independent Palestinian state based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, and stressed the unity of Gaza and the West Bank as fundamental to any just and lasting settlement, it said.
The call came as Palestinian factions as well as Egyptian, Qatari and Turkish mediators meet in Cairo on the implementation of a Gaza ceasefire reached in October 2025.
The fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel falters, with key provisions, including disarmament and reconstruction, yet to be implemented.
The first phase of the ceasefire included an exchange of prisoners and detainees, the entry of humanitarian aid into the strip, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from some areas.
The United States announced in mid-January the start of the second phase of the ceasefire, which includes a complete Israeli military withdrawal, Hamas disarmament, reconstruction, and the establishment of a transitional governing body in Gaza. ■
