CAIRO, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian delegation led by Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh met with Egypt's top intelligence and foreign affairs officials in Cairo on Sunday to discuss the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as the implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
During his meeting with the Palestinian delegation, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt's steadfast support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and stressed the need to transition to the ceasefire's second phase.
He also emphasized the importance of ensuring the continuous flow of humanitarian aid while creating conditions for a just political settlement based on international legitimacy, which would support early recovery and reconstruction efforts.
The delegation also held a separate meeting with Egyptian General Intelligence Service Chief Hassan Rashad, Egypt's Al-Qahera News TV reported, noting that the meeting is part of ongoing Egyptian efforts to stabilize the Palestinian territories and advance the next phase of the ceasefire.
The Gaza ceasefire, agreed between Hamas and Israel on Oct. 10 last year, completed its first phase with a prisoner exchange, delivery of humanitarian aid, and partial Israeli withdrawals. The proposed second phase aims for a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, disarmament of Hamas, the start of reconstruction, and the establishment of a transitional governing body. ■
