Minister welcomes arrival of first aid ship, thanks those involved CAIRO: Egypt has urged Israel to remove restrictions and impediments to the process of allowing aid access to Gaza via land ports. Responding to enquiries about Egypt’s position regarding the arrival of the first aid ship via the maritime corridor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, Ambassador Ahmed Abu Zeid, said Cairo appreciated and welcomed all efforts aimed at alleviating human suffering in the Gaza Strip. The ministry expressed gratitude to all parties involved in facilitating the arrival of the ship. Abu Zeid said Egypt would continue to spare no effort to ensure urgent aid could reach the Gaza Strip and called on Israel to remove restrictions to land access. Earlier this month, Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry received the UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag. Shoukry emphasized the UN Security Council’s human and legal responsibility to ensure the full implementation of the provisions of Resolution 2720 and to pressure Israel into complying with international law. This includes facilitating the use of all available routes leading to and inside the Gaza Strip and using the most direct routes to allow aid to reach those in need.