Leaders from Egypt and the US Address Gaza Ceasefire Mediation

Cairo, Jan 15 (NationPress) Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and US President Joe Biden engaged in a telephone discussion focusing on the extensive mediation efforts by Egypt, the US, and Qatar aimed at achieving a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and facilitating the exchange of prisoners and detainees.

During their Tuesday conversation, both leaders underscored the necessity for all parties involved to commit to overcoming hurdles and display the required flexibility to finalize an agreement, as stated by the Egyptian presidency.

Sisi highlighted the urgency of establishing an immediate ceasefire to alleviate the severe humanitarian crisis affecting the residents of the Strip, thereby preventing further escalation of the conflict, as reported by Xinhua.

The two presidents also emphasized the significance of enhancing bilateral relations in various domains, particularly in light of the strategic partnership between their nations.

Earlier that day, Qatar's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Majed Al Ansari confirmed that negotiations regarding the Gaza ceasefire in Doha have advanced considerably.

In recent months, efforts by mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the US have yet to result in a new ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas following the initial truce that lasted a week in November 2023.

Previously, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty remarked that now is the time for both Israel and Hamas to exhibit the political will necessary to quickly establish a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, stating that such an agreement could have been reached months ago, thus protecting civilians from the dire circumstances they currently face.

Abdelatty made these comments during a joint press conference with Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Xavier Bettel in Cairo, where they deliberated on regional matters and bilateral relations.

The Egyptian foreign minister conveyed that Egypt is collaborating with Qatar and the US to expedite a deal between Israel and Hamas. “We hope that will be soon,” he told the press.

He noted that the prospective agreement would encompass the release of Israeli hostages along with Palestinian detainees and prisoners, while also ensuring comprehensive access to humanitarian and medical assistance for the Gaza Strip.

Negotiations have been ongoing in Doha since early January to establish a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, where fighting has persisted for over 15 months. The discussions have involved delegations from the two conflicting parties alongside the three mediators: Qatar, Egypt, and the US.