Cairo: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty has reaffirmed Egypt's categorical rejection of the ongoing Israeli military escalation in Gaza, the recent expansion of settlement activity in the West Bank, and inflammatory statements advocating the so-called "Greater Israel." He emphasized that these actions intensify tensions, escalate conflict, and undermine regional stability.According to State Information Service Egypt, Abdelatty's remarks were made during a phone call with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. The conversation was part of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's initiative to intensify international efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and provide urgent humanitarian assistance. The two officials discussed the latest political, security, and humanitarian developments in the Gaza Strip.Abdelatty stressed the urgent need for a credible political horizon to achieve a just and sustainable resolution to the Palestinian issue, ensuring the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state. He reiterated Egypt's ongoing efforts to mediate a ceasefire and called for stronger international engagement, particularly from the European Union (EU), to end hostilities and ensure the unobstructed delivery of humanitarian aid.He also placed full responsibility on Israel, as the occupying power, for keeping Gaza's five border crossings closed and called for their immediate reopening to facilitate the flow of urgent humanitarian and medical assistance, describing these measures as contributing to a deliberate policy of starvation. During the call, Abdelatty briefed the EU official on Egypt's intensive efforts, in coordination with Qatar and the United States, to reach a comprehensive agreement ensuring a ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and a hostage-prisoner swap involving the release of hostages and a number of Palestinian detainees.The ca ll also addressed Egypt's preparations to host an international conference in Cairo on early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza, set to take place immediately after a ceasefire is achieved. The conference is being organized in coordination with regional and international partners, including the EU.The EU high representative praised Egypt's efforts to de-escalate the situation and secure a ceasefire, as well as its key role in alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people by facilitating aid delivery. She expressed the EU's readiness to participate in the Gaza reconstruction conference and work closely with Egypt to ensure unhindered humanitarian access and the success of efforts to achieve a ceasefire.