CAIRO, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held phone calls on Friday with Dubravka Suica, EU commissioner for the Mediterranean, and French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot on the Palestinian issue, according a statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

The Egyptian foreign minister reviewed with Suica the developments in the Gaza Strip, stressing Egypt's rejection to the Israeli settlement policies and statements about the so-called "Greater Israel" that seek to deepen the illegal occupation of the Palestinian territories.

Abdelatty said such plans are "complete violation of the international law," while fueling tensions and extremism.

He urged the EU to pressure for a ceasefire and the delivery of aid to the strip amid Israeli impediments.

The EU envoy said that the bloc is looking forward to taking part in an international conference for Gaza reconstruction in Cairo to ensure the access of aid to the strip with no obstacles.

During the talks with Barrot, Abdelatty reaffirmed "Egypt's absolute rejection to the Israeli latest decisions to expand building settlement in the West Bank," warning against the repercussion of such approach in provoking hatred and instability in the region.

He called for European efforts to mobilize more countries to recognize the State of Palestine.

Barrot said France backs the Egyptian efforts in achieving a Gaza ceasefire and the delivery of aid. Enditem