Egyptian President El-Sissi Calls for International Action to Resolve Gaza Crisis
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi has welcomed German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on his three-day visit to the northern African country. This historic visit marks the first time a German president has visited Egypt in almost 25 years.
During their meeting, el-Sissi emphasized the severity of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, citing the staggering death toll of over 40,000 victims, with two-thirds being women and children. He urged international action, particularly from Europe, to resolve the crisis.
Egypt has always been keen to play a positive role in resolving the conflict, collaborating with Palestinians, Qatar, and the United States. El-Sissi acknowledged that Europe has significant influence in addressing the issue and must take additional pressure to reach an agreement that brings stability and relief to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been ongoing for 11 months, with both sides accusing each other of war crimes and genocide. The United Nations independent investigator on the right to food accused Israel of conducting a "starvation campaign" against Palestinians, citing Israel’s military blockade of Gaza. The war has resulted in vast destruction, displacing around 90% of Gaza’s population, often multiple times. Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in their surprise attack on October 7, which sparked the war. They also abducted 250 people, holding around 100, with around a third believed to be dead.
Despite repeated calls by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, as well as record protests by Israelis, Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu has yet to agree to a ceasefire deal. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, it remains to be seen how international pressure will be applied to resolve this critical phase of the conflict.
