Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri held talks Wednesday with Quartet envoy Tony Blair and U.N. Special Coordinator for the Middle East peace process Robert Serry on the situation in the Gaza Strip.
The talks focused on ways of reaching a durable ceasefire between Palestinian factions and Israel in the Gaza Strip, Foreign Ministry spokesman Badr Abdel-Ati said in a statement.
According to the statement, Shoukri briefed the two officials on Egypt's efforts, which bore fruit on reaching a 72-hour ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Israel and Palestinian factions are observing an Egyptian-brokered three-day ceasefire in the Gaza Strip since Tuesday.
Israel has since completely withdrawn its forces from the besieged Palestinian enclave.
The two sides are currently in Cairo for indirect talks on a durable ceasefire agreement.
At least 1867 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 9500 others injured in relentless Israeli attacks on the blockaded Gaza Strip since July 7, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
Israel has also confirmed that 64 soldiers had been killed in battles with Palestinian fighters in the Gaza Strip and three civilians by rocket fire.
By Abdel-Raouf Arnaout
englishnews@aa.com.tr
www.aa.com.tr/en
