Egypt and US Leaders Prioritize Aid Delivery to Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict

In a crucial diplomatic development, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and US President Joe Biden held a high-level phone conversation on Monday, addressing the urgent need to provide aid to the Gaza Strip amidst the ongoing Israeli air campaign against the Palestinian territory. The discussion, confirmed by the Egyptian Presidency in an official statement, emphasized the paramount importance of safeguarding civilians and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

Both leaders underscored the vital necessity of containing the Palestinian-Israeli conflict to prevent any threats to regional security. This strategic consensus follows a statement by Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, revealing the Israeli government’s stance, which has hindered the opening of the Rafah border crossing with Gaza, a critical lifeline for humanitarian aid.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during his recent visit to Cairo, announced collaborative efforts involving Egypt, Israel, and the United Nations to facilitate assistance through the Rafah crossing. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with over 1 million people—nearly half of the total population—displaced due to the Israeli bombardment and blockade. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reports severe shortages of electricity, water, food, fuel, and medical supplies in Gaza. Civilians are fleeing to the southern region of Gaza following Israeli warnings to evacuate the northern areas.

This conflict, which began with Hamas’ initiation of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on October 7, involving rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel, has led to a robust response from the Israeli military under Operation Swords of Iron. Tragically, the toll includes at least 2,808 Palestinians, including 750 children, killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. The conflict has also claimed the lives of more than 1,400 Israelis.