Egypt, EU call for consolidation of Gaza ceasefire

CAIRO / ISTANBUL

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on Wednesday called for strengthening the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

The first phase of the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, based on a plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, took effect on Oct. 10.

Speaking during a meeting with Kallas in Brussels ahead of the first Egypt-EU summit, Sisi expressed his country’s desire to enhance cooperation with the EU to implement both the ceasefire agreement and Trump’s plan, the presidency said in a statement.

He emphasized “the importance of underpinning the ceasefire, ensuring the regular entry of humanitarian aid, and starting the reconstruction process of the Gaza Strip.”

Israeli media have reported that Israel has conditioned the start of the second phase of the agreement on the return of its remaining captives’ bodies from Gaza. Hamas, meanwhile, has said it needs more time and means to locate and recover the bodies.

The Egyptian president also referred to an international conference Egypt plans to host in November to discuss reconstruction and recovery efforts in Gaza.

The UN has estimated the cost of rebuilding the war-ravaged enclave at around $70 billion, where roughly 2.4 million Palestinians live.

Kallas described Trump’s Gaza plan as “a positive step,” saying the EU “looks forward to actively participating in its implementation.”

She also stressed “the importance of preserving the Palestinian Authority,” stressing the EU’s readiness to support Gaza’s reconstruction efforts, including the upcoming conference Egypt will host in November.”

Kallas also underscored “the need to underpin the ceasefire in Gaza,” according to the Egyptian presidential statement.

In March 2024, Egypt and the EU signed a declaration elevating their relations to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.