Ceasefire mediator Egypt condemns resumed Israel strikes

The Egyptian foreign ministry strongly condemned Israel's latest air strikes on the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, calling them a "flagrant violation" of the ceasefire that took effect on January 19. According to AFP, quoting a foreign ministry statement, the strikes represented a "dangerous escalation which threatens to bring serious consequences for the stability of the region". It comes amidst reports that Egypt and Qatar are working together to push for a renewed ceasefire in Gaza, according to the Washington Post, citing a former Egyptian official briefed on the plan. “Egypt and Qatar are planning to have a quick connection with the Israeli side for an urgent ceasefire and to start arranging quick meetings in Cairo for entering the next phase and exchange hostages and prisoners in order to achieve peace,” says the official.