CAIRO, 30 May 2021, (TON): Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi arrived in Cairo on Sunday for talks with senior Egyptian officials over the ongoing ceasefire in place between Israel and the Islamist Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The trip is the first formal visit by an Israeli Foreign Minister to Egypt in nearly 13 years. Ashkenazi is due to meet with his Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri.

As ceasefire, mediated by Egypt, has is valid between Israel and the Hamas since 21 May 2021, both are likely to discuss a permanent ceasefire with Hamas and the rebuilding of Gaza that was largely devastated during 11 days of bloody fighting with Israel earlier this month.

The 11-day conflict in an around the Gaza Strip left at least 260 Palestinians and 21 Israelis dead.

Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi  said, "We will discuss establishing a permanent ceasefire with Hamas, a mechanism for providing humanitarian aid & the reconstruction of Gaza with a pivotal role played by the international community," he added "Israel is fully committed to the return of its soldiers being held by Hamas".