President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi receives the US Senator Lindsey Graham in Cairo, 1 June, 2024. Photo: Egyptian Presidency
During the meeting, El-Sisi noted that the Israeli operation has deteriorated the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, according to a presidency statement. The Egyptian president also highlighted the war’s broader implications on regional security.
He urged unified international efforts to halt the Israeli war and prevent the expansion of its humanitarian and security repercussions, the statement added.
El-Sisi stressed the need for all parties to seriously engage in efforts aiming to reach a ceasefire deal and pave the way for implementing the two-state solution.
The two-state solution “is the optimal path to ensure justice and sustainable security in the region,” stressed El-Sisi.
Senator Graham, who is also ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, commended Egypt's pivotal role in maintaining regional security and stability.
He also lauded the strategic partnership between Egypt and the US as a key pillar of regional stability, saying the ongoing regional and global crises underscored the importance of strengthening this significant partnership between both countries.
Graham also acknowledged Egypt's efforts and mediation in addressing the situation in Gaza, highlighting the burden Egypt endures to ensure the delivery of relief aid into Gaza.
Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry and Head of Egyptian General Intelligence Service Abbas Kamel attended the meeting.
Last week, El-Sisi highlighted to a delegation from the US Congress the necessity of intensifying efforts to halt the war in Gaza to alleviate the humanitarian tragedy faced by the people in the strip and prevent the spillover of conflict.
In early May, Israel launched its assault on the Palestinian city of Rafah on Gaza’s southern edge, taking over the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt.
Hence, the entry of humanitarian aid to a population facing famine conditions in Gaza has since been prevented through the Rafah crossing.
Cairo, which rejects the Israeli takeover of the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing, refuses any coordination with Tel Aviv on the crossing, insisting on dealing only with Palestinian personnel on the Palestinian side.
Cairo has called on Israel to end its military operation in Rafah and open all border crossings with Gaza to humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians in the strip.
Short link: