El-Sisi made his remarks in a meeting with CIA Director William Burns in Cairo on Tuesday.
Burns and the White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa arrived in Cairo earlier this week to engage in a new round of talks with Egyptian and Israeli officials to reach a ceasefire in Gaza.
During their meeting, El-Sisi underlined the need to ensure adequate delivery of relief aid to Gaza in a way that truly alleviates the humanitarian suffering of Palestinian people in the strip.
The president called for effective and serious steps to prevent the conflict spillover across the region.
He also highlighted the need for implementing a two-state solution within the framework of a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian cause.
Burns commended the Egyptian efforts for achieving a ceasefire and ensuring humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza.
The CIA director also expressed his appreciation for Egypt’s responsible positions that strongly push forward toward establishing peace, security, and development, regionally and globally.
Burns conveyed President Joe Biden’s greetings to El-Sisi and affirmed the US appreciation for its strategic partnership with Egypt.
Meanwhile, El-Sisi stressed the importance of continued coordination between Egypt and the US to support regional and global security and stability.
Negotiations restart
This week, Cairo has hosted a new round of talks that involve senior Egyptian, US, and Israeli officials regarding a ceasefire deal. Besides Burns and McGurk, Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar has arrived in the Egyptian capital.
A high-level source noted that an Egyptian security delegation will head to Doha on Wednesday, attempting to bridge the gaps between Hamas and Israel and reach a truce deal as soon as possible.
In remarks to Al-Qahera News, the high-level source indicated that Egypt has reiterated its steadfast positions regarding the necessity of an immediate ceasefire and facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid.
The source indicated that there is agreement on several points, and negotiations will resume on Wednesday in Doha and on Thursday in Cairo.
The negotiations are taking place amid hopes for progress in talks for a ceasefire and detainee swap agreement between both sides, which is anticipated to bring an end to the prolonged war in Gaza.
US and Israeli officials have expressed optimism after Hamas seemingly compromised its long-held precondition of Israel agreeing to a permanent ceasefire before any deal can be reached.
Instead, Hamas is now relying on the mediators’ pledge that a ceasefire will continue as long as captive release negotiations are ongoing, according to a top Hamas official.
Despite the optimism, Hamas on Monday accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of obstructing the negotiations.
Netanyahu’s office stated on Sunday that any deal would allow Israel to continue fighting until all war objectives are achieved.
Concerted efforts
The current talks are centred around a ceasefire plan outlined by US President Joe Biden on 31 May, which includes a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, a permanent cessation of hostilities, and a significant boost in relief aid to the strip.
Egypt, Qatar, and the US have all called for both Israel and Hamas to agree to a ceasefire deal based on the principles outlined in Biden’s offer.
US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf has embarked on a Middle East tour, including Cairo, to discuss ongoing diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire deal in Gaza.
Throughout nine months, Israel’s devastating war has killed and injured over 126,000 people, destroyed infrastructure, displaced most residents, and pushed the strip to the brink of famine.
The Israeli strikes came in retaliation for an attack by Hamas on Israeli cities on 7 October 2023, during which the fighters captured over 250 individuals, including civilians and soldiers.
Hamas and Israel exchanged prisoners in November in a deal brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US, but more than 100 captives are believed to remain held in the strip.
Source: ahram online
