El-Sisi reiterated his call to stop the bloodshed and the targeting of civilians, thus preventing the worsening of humanitarian conditions for the Palestinian people.

He also warned of the security and humanitarian consequences of the present conflict while spotlighting the significance of the European and international role in supporting the path of calm and negotiations.

El-Sisi's remarks came during a meeting in Cairo with Italian officials, including Antonio Tajani, Italy's deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation.

El-Sisi and Tajani agreed that the situation is "extremely serious" and that de-escalation and calm are "crucial" to ensure the region's stability.

They also asserted that it was of "utmost necessity" to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution, the statement noted.

For his part, the Italian deputy PM affirmed his country's reliance on Egypt's vital role.

Sisi urges an 'immediate end' to the escalation
 

In a phone call with European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday, El-Sisi said that an 'immediate end' of escalation in Gaza should be given urgent priority.

The Egyptian president stressed the need for regional and international parties to concert efforts to put an 'immediate end' to the current escalation in Gaza.

El-Sisi added that the "main priority at the time being" is to prevent the bloodshed of civilians on both sides, spare the Palestinian people further human suffering, and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid.

El-Sisi also received a phone call from Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, during which they agreed on the seriousness of the current conflict, citing its "great" consequences on the civilians' lives and the region's security and stability. 

He said that Egypt is coordinating with regional and international parties to calm the situation between Israel and the Palestinians and de-escalate the military operations, stressing that "settling the Palestinian issue through just and lasting peace is the way to achieve stability and security in the region."

Over 950 Palestinians have been killed since Israel started its airstrikes on Gaza, and 5,000 wounded, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

The ministry added that 60 percent of casualties were children and senior citizens. 

The Israeli airstrikes, which have caused destruction, casualties, and displacement in the coastal enclave, followed surprising incursions into Israel by Hamas on Saturday.

Egypt, a key regional player, had mediated previous ceasefires in similar episodes of escalation between Israelis and Palestinians.