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European Council President Antonio Costa on Tuesday urged Israel to fully lift its blockade on Gaza, describing the situation in the besieged enclave as "catastrophic."

In a post on X, Costa said he held a "good and substantial" phone call with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to discuss the situation in Gaza.

"The situation in Gaza remains catastrophic," the European Council president said. "We urge Israel to fully lift its blockade on humanitarian aid and to stop its military operations."

Costa also expressed strong support for mediation efforts led by Egypt and Qatar, based on a US-backed proposal for a ceasefire.

"An immediate return to the ceasefire is essential, leading to the release of all hostages and a permanent end to hostilities," he added.

Rejecting international calls for a ceasefire, Israel has pursued a devastating offensive in Gaza since October 2023, killing over 54,500 Palestinians, most of them women and children. Aid agencies have warned about the risk of famine among the enclave's more than 2 million.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war crimes against civilians in the enclave.