Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received, Thursday, a US delegation that included Senators Christopher Van Hollen and Jeffrey Merkley, both members of the US Senate representing the Democratic Party. The meeting, held with the presence of Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, marks a continuation of ongoing consultations between Egypt and the United States at various levels.
According to the official spokesperson for the Presidency, Counselor Ahmed Fahmy, this meeting is significant given the current regional circumstances, particularly concerning the situation in the Gaza Strip. The US side was keen to understand President El-Sisi’s perspective on the general context of the current situation. President El-Sisi emphasized the need for a ceasefire, the exchange of detainees and prisoners, the implementation of humanitarian aid, and relief efforts for civilians who have been displaced. Moreover, he underscored the importance of initiating a serious international consensus towards a fair and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
The situation in Gaza has been escalating and is described as increasingly dire. As of early January 2024, the region has been experiencing intense hostilities, making meaningful humanitarian efforts nearly impossible. The United Nations has warned that the conditions in Gaza are becoming “apocalyptic,” with the fighting leading to extreme hardship for the civilian population.
The conflict, which has been ongoing since at least October 2023, has led to a significant number of casualties. According to reports from Al Jazeera, the number of Palestinians in Gaza killed since the outbreak of violence on October 7 is now over 22,000, with at least 57,000 injured. The bombardment of Gaza and rocket firing into Israel have continued, causing substantial destruction and loss of life.
The humanitarian situation is critical, with reports of severe shortages of food, water, sanitation, and shelter. The United Nations World Food Programme representative described the situation as one where almost no one in Gaza has enough food, and in some areas, nine out of ten people went a full day and night without eating. The healthcare system in Gaza is also under tremendous strain, with numerous attacks on healthcare facilities, leading to a significant reduction in operational hospitals.
Diplomatically, the United Nations Security Council has been involved, holding an emergency meeting to discuss the crisis. However, the situation remains tense and challenging, with various international actors calling for a ceasefire and a resolution to the conflict.
