During the call, Shoukry affirmed Egypt’s support for all efforts aimed at halting the Israeli war against the Gaza Strip and reaching an immediate and lasting ceasefire CAIRO: Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry received a phone call from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during which they discussed the situation in Gaza. During the call, Shoukry affirmed Egypt’s support for all efforts aimed at halting the Israeli war against the Gaza Strip, reaching an immediate and lasting ceasefire, swapping hostages and detainees, and ensuring full and unimpeded access of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. Ahmed Abu Zeid, spokesperson at Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the two sides tackled various facets of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including Shoukry’s emphasis on the inevitability of opening all land crossings between Israel and Gaza to bring in aid and provide safe conditions for the operation of international relief crews in the enclave. They agreed to maintain consultation and close coordination to continue pushing toward a halt in the war and putting an end to the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. US President Joe Biden on Friday revealed a three-phase proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip proposed by Israel. Biden said the first phase of the proposed deal would last for six weeks, including a “full and complete ceasefire” and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza.