Sisi highlights to Starmer Egypt's efforts to end Gaza war, secure prisoner swap

CAIRO – 9 August 2024: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has discussed Egypt's efforts to end the war in Gaza and facilitate a prisoner exchange during a phone conversation with the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, on Thursday.

Sisi emphasized the priority to provide humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza, alleviate their suffering, and advance the political process based on a two-state solution.

He underscored Egypt's vision for restoring security and stability in the Middle East, which is currently grappling with escalating tensions.

In response, Starmer commended Egypt's pivotal role in this regard and affirmed his commitment to closely coordinate with Egypt to uphold security and stability in the region.

The British Prime Minister also expressed the UK's eagerness to collaborate with Egypt to navigate through the current critical phase in the Middle East.

The war in Gaza, which commenced on October 7, 2023, has inflicted a devastating toll, with Egypt, Qatar, and the United States actively working to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Israeli airstrikes have resulted in nearly 40,000 fatalities, over 91,000 injuries, mass displacement of Gaza's 2.2 million residents, and the looming threat of famine in the enclave.

Leaders from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have jointly invited Israel and Hamas to engage in crucial discussions on Thursday, August 15, in either Doha or Cairo to negotiate a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed that Tel Aviv has agreed to resume talks on August 15 at the request of the three countries.