US president Joe Biden welcomes Gaza ceasefire, thanks President Sisi for his ‘central role’

CAIRO – 8 August 2022: The US president Joe Biden welcomed the ceasefire announced between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement, Sunday. As he thanked President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi along with senior Egyptian officials “who played a central role in this diplomacy”.

“I welcome the announcement tonight of a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza-based militants after three days of hostilities. “The White House said in a Sunday statement.

It was added that over the last 72-hours, the United States has worked with officials from Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, and others throughout the region to encourage a swift resolution to the conflict.

 

“I thank President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi and the senior Egyptian officials who played a central role in this diplomacy as well as Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar and his team for helping to bring these hostilities to an end.” Biden stated in his statement.

Biden described the reports of civilian casualties in Gaza as a ‘tragedy’. He called on all parties to fully implement the ceasefire, and to ensure fuel and humanitarian supplies are flowing into Gaza as the fighting subsides.

“As I made clear during my recent trip to Israel and the West Bank, Israelis and Palestinians both deserve to live safely and securely and to enjoy equal measures of freedom, prosperity, and democracy.  My Administration will remain engaged with Israeli and Palestinian leaders to support that vision and to implement the initiatives launched during my visit to improve the quality of life for Palestinians and Israelis alike.” Biden concluded

In a brief statement, Sunday night Egypt said that in light of its keenness to end the escalation in the Gaza Strip between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement, Cairo has called for a comprehensive and mutual ceasefire between the two rivals, starting on 23:30 (Palestinian Time)

“Egypt is exerting its efforts to release Palestinian prisoner Khalil Al-Awawda, who was on a hunger strike inside an Israeli prison, and transfer him to receive treatment”, a security official told Egypt Today.

Egypt is also working to release the prisoner Bassam Al-Saadi, a member of the Islamic Jihad Movement, as soon as possible, the source added.

Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement confirmed that Egypt-brokered ceasefire with Israel has been reached, according to Sky News.

Israel has stricken Gaza Strip for three days, targeting the members of the Palestinian Jihadi Movement.

The attacks resulted in killing 43 people, including 15 children and 4 women, and injuring 311 others including children, women and elderly people, the Palestinian Health Ministry announced on Sunday.