Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza during discussions with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Cairo on Thursday. The Egyptian Presidency released a statement highlighting Sisi's concerns about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Gaza Strip.
President Sisi expressed his worries about the potential for a humanitarian catastrophe and famine that could endanger the lives of innocent civilians in Gaza. He specifically cautioned against any military operations in the Palestinian city of Rafah in southern Gaza and urged for swift action to facilitate the delivery of essential humanitarian aid to the region.
During the meeting, Secretary Blinken reiterated the United States' commitment to collaborating with Egypt to restore stability and security in the region. Both parties agreed on the critical importance of ensuring unhindered access for humanitarian assistance into Gaza.
The Egyptian Presidency's statement also emphasized the shared stance of Egypt and the US in rejecting any attempts to displace Palestinians from their lands by any means.
Secretary Blinken's visit to Egypt followed his trip to Saudi Arabia as part of ongoing efforts to engage with key regional partners and address the escalating crisis in Gaza. The discussions between Egypt and the US underscored the pressing need for immediate action to alleviate the suffering of civilians in Gaza and work towards a lasting ceasefire.