CAIRO, Aug 13 (KUNA) -- Foreign Minister Bader Abdulatty emphasized on Wednesday the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza and to ensure the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory, amid the occupation's systematic use of starvation as a weapon.
Abdulatty reiterated to foreign media sources Egypt's firm rejection of the expansion of military operations in Gaza and any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians, which he said aim to undermine the Palestinian cause.
He confirmed that the Rafah crossing remains open on the Egyptian side, calling -- once again -- on the Israeli occupation to allow humanitarian access via the Israeli-controlled side, a request that has yet to gain a response.
Abdulatty outlined preparations for Egypt to host an international conference on early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza if an effective ceasefire is ever reached, aiming to mobilize support for a plan to provide basic living conditions and enable Palestinians to remain on their land.
He also stressed the urgent need for a political horizon to achieve a fair and sustainable resolution of the Palestinian issue, including the Palestinians' right to self-determination and an independent state. (end) asm.dss