Egypt Daily News – President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has emphasized the urgent need to end the war in Gaza and pursue peaceful solutions.
This statement came during a meeting with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, where they discussed ongoing ceasefire efforts. President El-Sisi highlighted the risks of escalating the conflict beyond Gaza, urging that a ceasefire should lead to greater international recognition of a Palestinian state and the reinvigoration of the two-state solution.
Blinken, on a mission in the region that includes meetings with Israeli officials, reiterated discussions about a truce following a US proposal that was put forward during talks in Doha.
The US aims to broker a deal that will include a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has shown tentative support for the US settlement plan.
However, challenges remain, especially concerning Hamas’s response to the proposal. The group has expressed that the US plan aligns too closely with Israeli demands, particularly regarding military presence along the Gaza-Egypt border and the conditions for exchanging hostages for Palestinian detainees.
As Blinken prepares to move on to Qatar, both he and President Biden have noted that while negotiations continue, the situation remains precarious, with Hamas reportedly backing away from the potential agreement.
The path forward will require delicate diplomacy to avoid further escalation while addressing the underlying issues of the conflict.
