The Egyptian presidency indicated today, Tuesday, that "President Abdel Fattah Sisi discussed with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken the efforts aimed at reaching a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the exchange of detainees between Israel and Hamas." A spokesperson for the presidency said in a statement: "Sisi also discussed with Blinken, who is visiting Egypt, the efforts to deliver necessary humanitarian aid to Gaza to alleviate the humanitarian suffering in the region."
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Sisi received U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his accompanying delegation today, with the presence of Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and General Abbas Kamel, the head of the General Intelligence Service, to discuss ways to cease hostilities in the Gaza Strip.
Sisi affirmed the "crucial role" played by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in providing humanitarian aid to Gaza. He also emphasized "the necessity of implementing international and UN resolutions regarding the crisis and taking serious steps towards a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue, ensuring sustainable stability in the region."
For his part, Blinken confirmed his country's commitment to continue coordinating and working together with Egypt "to achieve a ceasefire and protect the region from the escalation of conflict."
Earlier today, the U.S. Secretary left Riyadh, where he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He is expected to visit Qatar after Egypt before heading to Tel Aviv to discuss negotiations for the release of prisoners and related plans for post-war Gaza.
