The Egyptian presidency confirmed that President Abdel Fattah Sisi discussed by phone with his American counterpart Joe Biden the efforts to achieve a ceasefire and the exchange of prisoners and detainees in Gaza. The presidency added in a statement that Sisi informed Biden that the process of delivering aid to Gaza faces challenges and difficulties that must be overcome, emphasizing that Egypt will continue its efforts to provide support to the people of the strip "to alleviate the burden of the humanitarian tragedy" they are facing. The statement emphasized that both presidents rejected any attempts to displace Palestinians from their land, agreeing that a two-state solution is the basis for supporting peace and stability in the Middle East.
Earlier, Biden had a similar call with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, where the latter emphasized the necessity of enhancing regional and international cooperation for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. A statement from the Qatari Amiri Diwan indicated that Sheikh Tamim also stressed the importance of "continuing to open crossings for the sustainable entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip to promote peace and stability in the Middle East."
The Washington Post reported that Biden will assign CIA Director William Burns in the coming days to help mediate an "ambitious" agreement that includes a two-month ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all detainees.
