By Ibrahim Khazin
GAZA (AA) - Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Thursday said his country is actively working to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, which is under heavy Israel bombardment and blockade for 13 days.
Addressing a press conference in Cairo with UN chief Antonio Guterres, Shoukry said peace summit in the Egyptian capital scheduled for Saturday aims to achieve international consensus to de-escalate the situation in Gaza, ultimately leading to a cease-fire and uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid.
He emphasized Egypt's commitment to keeping the Rafah border crossing operational and receiving humanitarian assistance at El-Arish Airport, despite repeated Israeli shelling on the Palestinian side of the crossing.
"Egypt is eager to reopen the Rafah crossing, clear the backed-up trucks, and ensure a continuous and uninterrupted flow of aid," he said.
Shoukry said there is "no alternative to both the Palestinian and Israeli parties returning to the negotiation table and establishing an independent Palestinian state."
Before the press briefing, both sides held a closed-door discussion, according to Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid. The meeting addressed "a joint effort and coordination to de-escalate the crisis in Gaza, address the humanitarian situation, and provide urgent access to relief materials for Palestinians," he said.
The conflict in Gaza began on Oct. 7 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. Hamas said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.
The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.
*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala