Sisi, Putin discuss developments in Gaza, agree to intensify efforts towards immediate ceasefire

Ahram Online , Tuesday 14 Nov 2023

Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi held a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, where they touched upon the latest developments in the war-hit Gaza Strip.

Sisi, Putin
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Russian President Vladimir Putin

 

El-Sisi reviewed the steps taken by Egypt to de-escalate, provide humanitarian aid, evacuate foreign nationals, and assist injured Palestinians, according to a statement by the Egyptian presidency.

Putin and El-Sisi agreed to intensify efforts towards an immediate ceasefire, facilitate urgent access to humanitarian assistance, and take necessary steps to protect civilians.

The Israeli onslaught and blockade of Gaza entered its 39th day on Tuesday, with no access to food, water, or medical supplies except a trickle of aid trucks from the Rafah crossing with Egypt.

No fuel has entered the strip since 7 October, causing several bakeries and hospitals to halt work completely.

On Tuesday, the World Health Organization reported that more than half of Gaza's hospitals, 22 out of 36, are currently deemed "non-functional."

Israel has killed over 11,000 Palestinians in Gaza, including 4,630 children and 3,130 women, in five weeks, according to Palestinian data.

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