Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has warned US Secretary of State Antony Blinken of the risk of the war in Gaza spreading.
“The cease-fire in Gaza must be the beginning of wider international recognition of the Palestinian state and the implementation of the two-state solution, as this is the basic guarantee of stability in the region,” he added.
He pointed out that the time has come to end the ongoing war and to resort to wisdom and support the language of peace.
He added that all parties must be wary of the danger of spreading regional conflict.
Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Ahmed Fahmy, said the meeting underscored the robust strategic partnership between Egypt and the U.S.
The discussions also confirmed the two countries’ commitment to advancing joint efforts to restore security and stability in the region.
Within this context, the two sides reviewed the joint Egyptian-American-Qatari mediation efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and exchange detainees. President El-Sisi and Mr. Blinken exchanged views on the results of the latest negotiations, which were held last week in the Qatari capital, Doha, and on ways to achieve progress in the ongoing negations in Cairo. Secretary Blinken briefed President El-Sisi on the outcome of his visit to Israel, stressing the U.S.’ commitment to efforts toward calming the situation and reaching an agreement.
He expressed huge appreciation for Egypt’s role and constructive efforts in this regard.
President El-Sisi emphasized that the time has come to end the ongoing war, resort to the voice of reason and wisdom, and uphold the language of peace and diplomacy. The President warned against the grave danger of the conflict expanding regionally, with potentially catastrophic consequences. He confirmed that sparing the blood of the peoples should be the major driving force for all parties and that a ceasefire in Gaza must be the beginning of broader international recognition of an independent Palestinian State and the enforcement of the two-state solution, given the fact that this is the fundamental guarantor for stability in the region.
Blinken was in the capital of Egypt and said that he is in favor of a ceasefire in Gaza and an agreement on the release of prisoners. However, as Al Jazeera reports, the main areas of dispute remain unresolved.