Egyptian foreign minister says Israeli aggression threatens two-state solution

Sameh Shoukry slammed Israel for weeks of attacks on protesters at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, Islam's third holiest site.

In a phone call, Wednesday, with his Israeli counterpart Gabi Ashkenazi, Shoukry stressed the need to end attacks on worshippers at the mosque, according to a statement released by the Egyptian foreign ministry.

During an Arab League meeting Tuesday, Shoukry said Israel's actions were undermining a possible two-state solution.

He also saluted the Palestinians for their "steadfastness and struggle against the Israeli aggression", according to Egyptian media.

Egypt was the first Arab country to establish diplomatic relations with Israel in 1979 and maintains close security ties.

At least 62 people, including 14 children, have been killed by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza with 335 people wounded, according to the local ministry of health.

Six Israelis have been killed in Hamas rocket attacks, which were launched on Monday after the Palestinian group gave Israel an ultimatum to withdraw from the vicinity of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Both Hamas and Israel have vowed to continue fighting if the other side does not back down.

In East Jerusalem's Sheikh Jarrah, where Palestinian families are threatened with expulsion from their homes, Israeli settlers continued to attack protestors and locals.

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