Egyptian FM: Egypt not to amend Gaza ceasefire initiative

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shukri on Monday refuted speculations that his country might amend its initiative for ceasefire in Gaza Strip.
"There is no plan for amendment since we are convinced that the initiative is sufficient for meeting the desired objective of providing protection for the Palestinian people and stopping the bloodshed resulting from the serious escalation and excessive use of force," he stated.
Shukri made the comments during a joint press conference with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, now on a visit to Egypt.
"The initiative envisages immediate ceasefire as a prelude to reopening of the border crossings of Gaza Strip, stabilizing the situation, and preventing recurrence of violence and destruction in the future," he pointed out.
"We have not received any suggestion for amending the content of the initiative which was worked out in a way that could be acceptable for both sides (the Israelis and the Palestinians) so any talk about its amendment is purely hypothetical," the minister added.
On Rafah border crossing with Gaza, he said it remains to be open constantly and is managed bilaterally by Egypt and Palestine taking into account the sovereignty of Egypt and security conditions in Sinai.
More than 2,000 Palestinians crossed into Egypt and 1,000 others crossed into Gaza through Rafah crossing in addition to humanitarian aid, he said noting that these assistances included some 500 tons of foodstuffs and 50 tons of medical supplies.
On his part, Ban highlighted the need for all parties to work for stopping the bloodshed and the loss of life; otherwise the Palestinian and the Israeli peoples will pay the price.
There must be a plan for recovery in Gaza in keeping with the role of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in helping the people of Gaza, the UN chief said.
He noted that there are more than 80,000 homeless Palestinians who represent five percent of the population of Gaza Strip, while the Israeli people seek protection from the missiles and hostilities; this why there is need for permanent solution.
He condemned as "horrible" the massacre committed by the Israeli forces in Al-Shuja'ia district, east Gaza City, where more than six dozens of civilians were killed.
It was a top priority now to stop the fighting from both sides and creating the conditions for negotiations, the UN chief said, commending the Egyptian efforts in this regard.
Regarding the eight-year blockade imposed by Israel on the Strip, he said the UN demanding lifting it in order to establish permanent peace and improve the living conditions in Gaza.
He added that the UN is committed to offering humanitarian relief for the Palestinian pople and establishing educational and health facilities in the occupied territories.