Gaza ceasefire must be backed by humanitarian aid: Egypt finance chief

Ahmed Kouchouk says Suez Canal income cut by more than half since conflict began

Basic needs of people in Gaza must be secured before reconstruction, Egypt's finance minister said. © Reuters

HIDEMITSU KIBE, Nikkei staff writer

January 18, 2025 05:41 JST

CAIRO -- The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas needs to be underpinned by increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, Egyptian Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk told Nikkei in Cairo.

The deal, which was announced Wednesday, still needed final approval from Israel's full cabinet of more than 30 ministers as of Friday evening before it goes into effect on Sunday. The agreement to pause the 15-month conflict was mediated by Egypt, the U.S. and Qatar.