US President Joe Biden thanked President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and other senior Egyptian officials who played a central role in the diplomatic efforts to establish a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip after three days of hostilities.
In a statement posted on the White House’s website on Monday, Biden said that the reports of civilian casualties in Gaza are a tragedy, and that his administration supports a comprehensive and timely investigation into all of these reports.
He also called on all parties to fully implement the ceasefire agreement and ensure the flow of fuel and humanitarian supplies into Gaza.
“Both Palestinians and Israelis deserve to live in safety and security, and enjoy equal measures of freedom, prosperity, and democracy, and my administration will remain engaged in supporting this vision and implementing the initiatives launched to improve the quality of life for Palestinians and Israelis alike,” Biden added.
Al-Sisi said on Saturday that his country is maintaining contact with all parties to prevent the situation in Gaza from spiraling out of control.
He added in statements broadcast on Egyptian television that Egypt is keen to defuse any crisis in the Gaza Strip.
The Egyptian state succeeded in brokering a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip after extensive contacts with the Islamic Jihad Movement and the Israeli side. The Egyptian initiative was welcomed by all in the Palestinian territories.
In the same context, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland welcomed the Egyptian efforts to restore calm in the Gaza Strip, stressing the UN’s commitment to doing everything in its power to end the ongoing escalation.
