Sisi, Bennett discuss preventing tensions, reconstruction efforts in Gaza

CAIRO – 28 June 2021: Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al Sisi discussed, Monday preventing the escalation of any tension between Palestinians and Israelis in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minster Naftali Bennett.

According to Presidency spokesman Bassam Radi, both officials stressed the importance of supporting all reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

Sisi called the newly-elected Naftali Bennett on the occasion of assuming his duties according to Radi.

During the call, Sisi affirmed Egypt's support for all efforts to reach a just and lasting solution between the Palestinian and Israeli sides, in order to achieve a comprehensive peace in the Middle East.

Sisi also stressed the importance of preventing the escalation of tension between the Palestinians and Israelis, along with the importance of supporting Egypt’s efforts for reconstruction in the Palestinian territories, and the development of bilateral relations.

On June 21, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry underscored the importance of paving the way for reviving the Middle East peace process, aimed at establishing an independent Palestinian state.

The Palestinian state should be established on 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and according to the UN resolutions, to reach a comprehensive peace in the Middle East, Shoukry said during his meeting with EU Special Representative (EUSR) for the Middle East Peace Process Sven Koopmans at the Foreign Ministry HQ.

Shoukry briefed Koopmans on Egypt’s efforts to cement the ceasefire in Gaza, amid efforts of reconstruction of the besieged enclave.

For his part, Koopmans praised Egypt’s key role, aimed at building peace and security in the Middle East, which were capped by reaching a ceasefire in Gaza, in addition to its efforts to bring about the Palestinian reconciliation process.

Also earlier in June, Shoukry received a phone call from Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid. During the call, Shoukry congratulated Lapid, on his new post.

The Egyptian minister stressed the need to break the deadlock between the Palestinians and Israelis to launch a comprehensive negotiating process, in a manner that ensures the consolidation of the pillars of stability in the region.

He added that Egypt will continue its role in supporting all efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions.