The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Saturday that Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty discussed the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip by phone with the United Nations Special Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs and Reconstruction in the Gaza Strip, Sigrid Kaag.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry added in a statement that the two sides discussed ensuring safe and sustainable access to humanitarian aid needed to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip, and the importance of halting ongoing hostilities and returning to the ceasefire agreement.

The statement quoted Abdel-Ati as saying, during the call, that Israel continues to target humanitarian workers and UN and relief organizations, pointing to Tel Aviv's recent decision to close six UNRWA schools.

The Egyptian minister stressed that the decision is a "flagrant violation" of international law, pointing to the "vital role" played by the UN agency in providing essential services to Palestinian refugees.

Abdel-Ati also reviewed the Arab reconstruction plan and the ongoing preparations for the Early Recovery and Reconstruction Conference, which Egypt is scheduled to host in cooperation with the United Nations and the Palestinian government. The Foreign Minister emphasized the need for the international community to provide all forms of support to help restore basic services in the Gaza Strip, according to the statement.