Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi received a call from U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday to discuss ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza and the potential risks of military escalation in Rafah, as stated by Egypt’s presidency.
The conversation also addressed the crucial issue of exchanging Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, a key aspect of any comprehensive ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, according to the Egyptian Presidency’s spokesperson.
President Biden urged President Sisi and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, whom he spoke to separately, to make every effort to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. The White House emphasized that this step is now the primary barrier to achieving an immediate ceasefire and providing relief to the people of Gaza.
A Hamas delegation is currently in Cairo to discuss Israel’s response to a potential ceasefire deal. Both presidents highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian aid access and emphasized the importance of preventing further escalation of the conflict. They also reiterated support for a two-state solution as a means to achieve peace, security, and stability in the region.
Additionally, President Biden and the Qatari emir discussed the evolving situation in Gaza and their joint efforts to reach an immediate and lasting ceasefire agreement, according to Qatar’s Emiri Diwan.
