Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Sisi indicated today, Friday, that "there is readiness to establish a Palestinian state on the borders of June 4, with its capital in East Jerusalem, and it will be demilitarized." During a joint press conference with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, Sisi stated: "We are ready for the state to be demilitarized, with NATO or UN forces, or Arab or American forces, to ensure the security of both the Palestinian and Israeli states."
He emphasized that "reviving the two-state solution may not be necessary due to the stagnation of the process over the past years." He remarked, "What is happening in Gaza is serious. We have talked about a temporary ceasefire and we hope that it will be extended, along with the release of more prisoners and the entry of more aid into Gaza."
Sisi confirmed that the Rafah crossing has not been closed during the crisis and will not be closed in the upcoming period, stating, "We have facilitated the exit of nationals from over 30 countries from Gaza." He added, "Discussions were held with the Prime Ministers of Spain and Belgium regarding providing adequate assistance to the residents of Gaza as well as ensuring safe areas, and I appreciate and welcome their positions regarding the conditions in the Strip," noting that he "has sensed a real international understanding regarding the Palestinian issue."
For his part, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo stressed that "Israel must respect international humanitarian law in Gaza," calling on it to open more crossings. He highlighted, "It is very important that we work to provide Palestinians with safe areas as they need support." He further noted in his speech, "We must move forward with next steps, establish a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, and allow for the entry of more humanitarian aid," thanking Egypt for its role in evacuating Belgian nationals from Gaza.
