Sisi, Trump hold talks on maintaining Gaza ceasefire, achieving ‘historic’ peace

CAIRO – 1 February 2025: Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and US President Donald Trump on Saturday held a “constructive” dialogue on Saturday regarding the importance of solidifying the ceasefire in Gaza, according to a statement from Egyptian presidential spokesman Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy.

Sisi and Trump highlighted the significance of continuing the implementation of the first and second phases of the ceasefire, which was brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States.

Sisi affirmed the need for achieving a permanent peace in the region, “highlighting the international community's reliance on President Trump’s ability to achieve a historic peace agreement that would end decades of conflict.”

The Egyptian president underscored Trump’s “commitment to peace as affirmed in his inauguration speech, emphasizing himself as a peacemaker.”

Sisi stressed the necessity of initiating a peace process that leads to a permanent solution in the region.

The presidents also held discussions on the necessity of intensifying aid delivery to the people in Gaza.

President Sisi receives a phone call from US President Trump. More to follow. #Egypt #News #Breaking | #مصر #عاجل #السيسي #ترامب #تحيا_مصر #الرئيس pic.twitter.com/4KJ2jBlakd

— Egypt Today Magazine (@EgyptTodayMag) February 1, 2025

Hamas and Israel have agreed to a ceasefire brokered by mediating countries, which took effect on 19 January, halting more than 15 months of war that killed over 47,000 Palestinians, injured more than 111,000, and displaced most of the population since October 7, 2023.

Since then, Hamas and Israel have carried out four prisoner exchanges, swapping a total of 18 captives—13 Israelis and 5 Thai nationals—in return for Israel's release of 583 Palestinian prisoners, including dozens serving life sentences.

REJECTING GAZANS DISPLACEMENT

Since his inauguration in January, Trump has pressured Egypt and Jordan to accept displaced Palestinians as part of a plan he refers to as the Gaza "clean out" plan.

“You're talking about probably a million and a half people, and we just clean out that whole thing and say: ‘You know, it’s over,’” Trump told reporters. He added that the move “could be temporary” or “could be long-term.”

Sisi and King Abdullah II of Jordan firmly rejected the proposal.

In a press conference with Kenyan President William Ruto last Wednesday, Sisi emphasized that displacing Palestinians from Gaza would constitute “an injustice that Egypt cannot be part of.”

“The historical injustice inflicted upon the Palestinians, along with their previous displacement from areas that were promised for their possible return after reconstruction, cannot be allowed to happen again,” Sisi stated.

Meanwhile, the president affirmed during the presser Egypt's determination to work with Trump to achieve a lasting peace based on the two-state solution.

Since the ceasefire began, hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza following Israel's approval under the terms of the agreement.

In remarks to the press in the Oval Office, when asked about the refusal by the two Arab countries, Trump said: “They will do it. They will do it. They’re gonna do it, okay? We do a lot for them, and they’re gonna do it.”

Neither the Egyptian Presidency's release nor the White House statement, obtained by several media outlets, indicated any reference to the issue of the Palestinian displacement during the phone call.

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and US President Donald Trump on Saturday held a “constructive” dialogue on Saturday regarding the importance of solidifying the ceasefire in Gaza, according to a statement from Egyptian presidential spokesman Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy.… pic.twitter.com/SpeyEks12c

— Egypt Today Magazine (@EgyptTodayMag) February 1, 2025

ACHIEVING REGIONAL PEACE

During today’s phone call, Sisi and Trump highlighted their dedication to achieving peace and stability in the Middle East.

They discussed bilateral, regional and international issues and underscored the strategic relations binding Egypt and the US.

They also affirmed the need to enhance their economic relations and investments and bolster their water security collaboration.

According to the White House statement, the presidents discussed the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project, a source of tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia due to the absence of a binding legal agreement on the filling and operation of the mega dam.

STRENGTHENING BILATERAL TIES

Sisi congratulated Trump once again on his assumption of office for a second term as president, reflecting the significant confidence he enjoys among the American people in acknowledgment of his capabilities.

Sisi also extended an invitation to Trump to visit Egypt at the earliest opportunity to strengthen the strategic relations between the two countries and discuss the complex issues and crises facing the Middle East, contributing to the stability of the region.

He also invited Trump to participate in the anticipated inauguration of the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).

In response, Trump issued an open invitation to Sisi to visit Washington and meet with him at the White House.

At the conclusion of their phone call, the two leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining ongoing communication and coordination between their countries on issues of mutual interest.

They emphasized the necessity of intensifying meetings between relevant officials from both sides to continue advancing bilateral relations in all areas and to explore ways to move forward in addressing various topics, reflecting the strength and depth of Egyptian-American strategic relations.