Cairo: Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty engaged in discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday, focusing on regional developments and efforts towards a Gaza ceasefire, as per a ministerial statement released on Saturday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesperson detailed that Abdelatty and Rubio's conversation revolved around the situation in the region and the positive progress regarding the Gaza ceasefire. The discussions also included arrangements for an upcoming summit on Gaza to be held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. This summit will be co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and US President Donald Trump.

Abdelatty emphasized the importance of resolving the Palestinian issue and achieving a two-state solution, which he stated would ensure lasting peace, stability, and security in the region. On Wednesday, President Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a 20-point plan he proposed on September 29. This plan aims to establish a ceasefire in Gaza, facilitate the release of Israeli captives in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, and initiate a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the entire Gaza Strip.

The initial phase of the agreement took effect at 12 noon local time on Friday (0900 GMT). The second phase of the plan involves setting up a new governing mechanism in Gaza without Hamas' involvement, forming a security force consisting of Palestinians and troops from Arab and Islamic countries, and disarming Hamas.

Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of nearly 67,200 Palestinians in the enclave, with most casualties being women and children, rendering the area uninhabitable.