CAIRO, May 10 (MENA) - Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Stéphane Séjourné called for a ceasefire in Gaza and intensifying international efforts aimed at encouraging Hamas and Israel to reach a truce and allow sustainable and unhindered entry of humanitarian aid into the Palestinian enclave.

Their remarks came during a phone call between the two top diplomats, as they discussed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip, said Spokesman for the Foreign Ministry Ahmed Abu Zeid.

The spokesman stated that Shoukry's call with the French minister is part of a number of phone conversations that he is holding with his counterparts from influential and key countries to warn of the dangers of the Israeli escalation in the Palestinian city of Rafah in southern Gaza Strip, as well as the potential catastrophic repercussions on the Palestinian humanitarian situation.

The Egyptian and French foreign ministers probed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the recent round of talks hosted by Cairo to reach a truce that allows for the exchange of prisoners and detainees, the spokesman added.

They also spoke about the humanitarian and security implications of the Israeli military operations in Rafah and the associated Israeli control over the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing.

In this regard, the two ministers emphasized the importance of opening all land crossings between Israel and the Gaza Strip and allowing the full and safe access of humanitarian aid into the enclave. (MENA)

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