Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty warned of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, which has deteriorated into a famine, during separate phone calls with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen on Tuesday.
During his call with the German foreign minister, Abdelatty stressed the urgency of regional and international efforts to achieve a ceasefire and called on the international community to assume its responsibilities in halting Israel’s “flagrant crimes” in Gaza and the West Bank.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abdelatty urged Germany to press Israel to lift restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid and warned against settlement policies that undermine the prospects of a Palestinian state.
He also outlined the current ceasefire proposal, which suggests a 60-day truce, the release of captives and prisoners, and the unrestricted entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza. Abdelatty described that proposal as “practical and achievable.”
Moreover, he expressed hope that the EU foreign ministers, set to meet informally in Denmark, would take practical steps to address Israel’s violations and push it to abide by international law.
During his call with the Danish foreign minister, Abdelatty emphasized the gravity of the humanitarian situation in Gaza and reiterated the need for continued pressure on Israel to accept the ceasefire proposal and allow humanitarian aid access.
He welcomed recent announcements by several Western countries of their intention to recognize the State of Palestine, expressing hope that Denmark would follow suit.
FM Abdelatty also urged European states to take practical and effective measures during the upcoming EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Denmark to confront Israel’s intransigence.
Denmark, which holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July to 31 December 2025, will host the informal Gymnich meeting of EU foreign ministers in Copenhagen on 29-30 August.
The meeting, held biannually and organized in cooperation with the European External Action Service, provides an informal setting for strategic-level discussions on the EU’s global role and foreign policy priorities.
Abdelatty welcomed Denmark’s decision to continue funding UNRWA and praised its constructive role within the EU in mobilizing support for the agency.
He also expressed hope that Denmark would play an active role in the upcoming International Conference on the Early Recovery and Reconstruction of Gaza, which Egypt will host once a ceasefire is reached.
Furthermore, Egypt’s top diplomat praised the close ties between Egypt and Denmark that were elevated to a strategic partnership following President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi’s visit to Copenhagen in December 2024, expressing hope for strengthening bilateral relations.
He emphasized Egypt’s interest in enhancing economic and investment cooperation, increasing trade exchange, and expanding the presence of Danish companies in the Egyptian market.
On Friday, the United Nations officially declared a famine in Gaza, with its experts saying 500,000 Palestinians are facing “catastrophic” hunger as a result of Israel’s ongoing blockade and genocidal war.
The Rome-based Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), developed by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, said hunger was not only driven by Israel’s war and blockade on the strip, but also magnified by the widespread displacement and collapse of food production in Gaza.
