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ALGIERS, Algeria | Xinhua | Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf held a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday to discuss the recent ceasefire initiative announced by U.S. President Joe Biden, aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The Algerian Foreign Ministry stated that the two senior diplomats exchanged views on the initiative, which seeks to end hostilities in Gaza, increase humanitarian aid, and prepare for the territory’s reconstruction.
The two sides also discussed the conditions under which the United Nations Security Council could address the initiative, the ministry added.
Attaf emphasized the need to seize the opportunities offered by this initiative to ensure a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and move towards a “final, just and lasting resolution” of the Palestinian issue.
Blinken, on his part, underscored that the proposal would allow a surge in humanitarian assistance, enable the return of displaced persons to areas throughout Gaza, and permit international reconstruction efforts to begin.
Since beginning its non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council in January, Algeria has been working towards achieving a ceasefire in Gaza.
Biden announced a three-phrase ceasefire proposal in late May, saying it was proposed by the Israeli side and has received positive response from mediators like Egypt and Qatar. ■
