Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi received a phone call from U.S. President Joe Biden, discussing the latest developments in ongoing negotiations and Egyptian efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, including halting hostilities and facilitating a hostage exchange. The conversation also emphasized the grave implications of military escalation in the Palestinian city of Rafah, highlighting its potential to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and affect regional security and stability.
The Egyptian spokesperson, Ahmed Fahmy, stated that President Sisi underscored the necessity of full and adequate access to humanitarian aid, outlining Egypt’s extensive efforts in this regard.
Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of preventing the expansion of the conflict and reiterated the significance of a two-state solution as a path to achieving peace and stability in the region. The call also reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Egypt and the United States, continuing to strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors.
Since the onset of the conflict in Gaza on October 7, 2023, Egypt has actively pursued a ceasefire, primarily focusing on humanitarian needs to ensure the effective delivery and distribution of aid to the Gaza Strip. This was highlighted during the recent visit of the UN Secretary-General to El-Arish, where he noted Egypt’s efforts and underlined the importance of reaching a ceasefire.
U.S. stance has been more complex. President Biden has expressed support for Israel following the initial attacks and emphasized creating a humanitarian pathway into Gaza. However, the U.S. has faced criticism for its perceived reluctance to advocate for an immediate ceasefire. This position has sparked concerns about the potential erosion of U.S. moral authority in the Middle East, particularly given the significant humanitarian crisis and rising death toll in the region.
