Extensive international pressure continues to reject the Israeli occupation’s plan to invade Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, while the bombing of various areas in the city continues.
Cairo, Doha, and Washington warned of the dire consequences of the attack, and agreed on the need for concerted international efforts to prevent the expansion of the conflict and the increase tensions in the region.
As part of these efforts, Cairo witnessed a quadripartite meeting with Qatari-American-Israeli participation to discuss the truce in Gaza, according to a high-level Egyptian source.
The source told Al-Qahera News channel that the meeting also discussed the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the release of Israeli detainees, and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Meetings agree on need for ceasefire
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi held two meetings on Tuesday with Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani and the head of the US Central Intelligence Agency, William Burns, where they reviewed efforts aimed at reaching a ceasefire in Gaza Strip and protecting civilians.
During his meeting with the Foreign Minister of Qatar Sisi touched on joint efforts in this regard, as well as efforts to implement humanitarian aid.
The two meetings stressed the extreme danger of escalation of operations in Rafah, southern Gaza, and warned against the dire consequences of such action, while stressing the need for concerted international efforts to prevent the expansion of the circle of conflict in the region.
Burns praised Egypt’s tireless efforts in advancing a ceasefire and the exchange of detainees, in addition to its continued pivotal role in providing humanitarian aid into Gaza since the war broke out.
The two sides reviewed developments in the current situation, and confirmed that intensive consultation and coordination will continue to achieve the goals of a ceasefire, protect civilians, and activate the two-state solution.
The South African presidency announced on Tuesday that it has submitted an urgent request to the International Court of Justice regarding Israel’s decision to expand its military operations in Rafah.
Egypt’s tireless efforts
Experts told Al-Masry Al-Youm that Egypt made effective efforts to achieve a ceasefire.
Ambassador Mounir Zahran, former head of Egypt’s permanent delegation to the United Nations, stressed that Egypt always remains at the forefront of supporting the Palestinian people and emphasizing their national rights.
Former Assistant Foreign Minister Ambassador Gamal Bayoumi pointed out that Cairo is working wisely to support peace and prevent escalation.
And Palestinian politician, Shafiq al-Talouli explained that Egypt’s role ensures that life will return to normal.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
