Egypt, Iran discuss Gaza conflict amid Israeli airstrikes

By Ibrahim al-Khazen

ANKARA (AA) - The foreign ministers of Egypt and Iran discussed the Gaza conflict on Monday amid Israeli airstrikes on the Palestinian territory.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry warned during a telephone call he received from his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian that an expansion of the conflict would threaten stability in the region, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The chief diplomats discussed ways of easing the Palestinian suffering amid the Israeli air campaign in Gaza.

They underlined the importance of coordinating efforts at regional and international levels “to provide safe and sustainable access to humanitarian and relief aid to Gaza," the statement said.

The Iranian minister, the statement said, thanked Egypt “for its role in providing humanitarian aid” to Gaza through its Rafah crossing.

The conflict in Gaza, which has been under Israeli bombardment and a blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Nearly 6,500 people have been killed in the conflict, including at least 5,087 Palestinians and more than 1,400 Israelis.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar