El-Sisi, Arab League Secretary-General discuss Gaza crisis, regional developments - Foreign Affairs

Al-Ahram Weekly

3 days ago

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi met on Sunday with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit to discuss regional developments, with a primary focus on the Israeli war on Gaza and the military escalation in the occupied West Bank.
According to a presidential statement, the talks highlighted ongoing efforts by Egypt and Qatar to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged Strip.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a just and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian cause, based on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state per international legitimacy. They also stressed the importance of preserving Palestinian rights and preventing displacement or harm to the Palestinian people.
On the same day, the Israeli military issued new evacuation warnings for central Gaza, cutting off access between Deir al-Balah and the southern cities of Rafah and Khan Younis.
On Friday, Hamas accused Israel of obstructing progress in negotiations aimed at securing a temporary ceasefire and the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza.
Indirect talks between the two sides have been ongoing in Qatar since 6 July, aiming for a 60-day truce that would include the release of 10 Israeli hostages. Nearly two weeks into negotiations, no agreement has been reached, with both parties blaming the other for the impasse.
Last Wednesday, Qatar and the United States presented a revised ceasefire proposal to Israel and Hamas, calling for a 60-day truce, the release of 10 live captives and the remains of 18 others, the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, and a significant increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Israeli forces have killed more than 58,000 Palestinians—primarily women and children—and injured nearly 140,000 others since launching their genocidal war on Gaza in October 2023.
Broader regional crises
The meeting also addressed developments in Syria, Libya, and Sudan, with a focus on efforts to restore security and stability in those countries.
On Sunday, the Syrian government announced a halt in fighting in the southern city of Sweida, after Druze fighters regained control and state forces redeployed to the area. More than 900 people have been killed in the city amid ongoing sectarian violence.
The talks also addressed the political and security dynamics in the Horn of Africa, emphasizing the strategic importance of Red Sea security.
According to the presidential statement, El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's full support for the Arab League and its role in promoting joint Arab action and unity in the face of escalating regional challenges.
For his part, Aboul Gheit praised Egypt's 'wise and balanced' foreign policy, stating that it plays a crucial role in restoring stability in the Middle East, particularly through its support for a just and final resolution to the Palestinian issue, which he described as the only path to lasting peace in the region.
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