Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry stressed Thursday during a phone call with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian the importance of halting the Israeli onslaught on the Gaza Strip.

Immediate and full cessation of Israeli hostilities is seen critical for stopping the bloodshed to give chance for launching political efforts aimed at reaching a final settlement for the Palestinian problem, Shoukry affirmed, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

The two top diplomats discussed the latest developments in the occupied Palestinian territories, especially in Al Quds, Al Aqsa Mosque, and Gaza.

Meantime, Shoukry has also received a phone call from his Irish counterpart Simon Coveney as they conferred on UNSC efforts to address the crisis.

Source: State Information Service Egypt