Riyadh: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have emphasized the importance of avoiding regional escalation and ensuring the effective implementation of a ceasefire agreement that ended the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. Sisi's arrival in Saudi Arabia marked a 'brotherly visit' to engage in discussions with bin Salman.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Egyptian presidency released a statement highlighting that the talks between Sisi and bin Salman centered on recent developments in the Gaza Strip. Both leaders stressed the necessity for all parties to uphold the ceasefire agreement and to advance the peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump. They advocated for the unobstructed delivery of humanitarian aid to the enclave and urged for accelerated recovery and reconstruction efforts.
The leaders also reaffirmed their stance against any endeavors to displace Palestinians, advocating instead for a comprehensive political process aimed at achieving a two-state solution. The US-backed ceasefire, which has been in effect since October 10, successfully halted Israel's two-year offensive that resulted in over 72,000 fatalities and more than 171,000 injuries since October 2023.
Despite the ceasefire, there have been reports of Israeli forces committing violations through shelling and gunfire, which have resulted in 615 Palestinian deaths and injuries to 1,651 others, as reported by Gaza's Health Ministry. The discussions between Sisi and bin Salman also covered broader regional and international matters, emphasizing the importance of avoiding escalation, supporting dialogue-based solutions, and reinforcing Arab solidarity in addressing challenges.
The visit coincides with increasing tensions between the United States and Iran regarding Tehran's nuclear program, as Washington has heightened its military presence in the Persian Gulf region. Iran and the US are scheduled to resume nuclear deal discussions in Geneva, Switzerland, on Thursday. President Trump has issued a warning of potential military action against Iran if an agreement is not reached within 10 to 15 days.