The leaders of Britain and Egypt agreed that “global leaders should do everything possible to avoid a contagion of conflict in the region,” in reference to the continuing violence by Israeli forces within the Gaza Strip.
Both leaders held talks in Cairo as a part of the United Kingdom’s diplomatic efforts to ease the strain within the Middle East.
“The leaders said that the loss of life in Israel and Gaza over the last few days was truly tragic. They agreed that global leaders should do everything possible to avoid a contagion of conflict in the region, and that every effort must be made to stop terrorism and protect civilians,” it stated.
“The Prime Minister (Rishi Sunak) welcomed efforts by Egypt to reopen the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza as soon as possible. He said that the UK was committed to playing its part in helping the civilians of Gaza and alleviating the dire humanitarian situation there,” the press launch added.
Sunak and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi additionally agreed on “the importance of keeping up dialogue” to keep away from regional escalation.
Sunak additionally met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and expressed his “deep condolences for the loss of civilian lives in Gaza, including the terrible destruction of Al-Ahli hospital earlier this week.”
He reiterated Britain’s “long-standing commitment to the two-state solution,” it stated.
“The prime minister underscored his commitment to opening up humanitarian access to Gaza to alleviate the suffering of thousands of people who desperately need food, water and medicine.”
The lethal battle in Gaza, which below Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, started when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multipronged shock assault that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air. It stated the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and rising violence by Israeli settlers.
The Israeli navy then launched Operation Swords of Iron in opposition to Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip, together with stepping up raids and arrests within the occupied West Bank.
Israeli strikes and blockade have pushed Gaza’s important companies and sources to the brink of collapse.
U.N. chief Antonio Guterres on Friday visited Rafah crossing to push for help to be let into Gaza. “It’s impossible to be at the Rafah crossing & not feel heartbroken,” he stated on X. “Behind these walls there are 2 million people in Gaza with no water, food, medicine, fuel.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com