Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met with European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica in Cairo to discuss the implementation of a Gaza ceasefire agreement.
A statement from the Egyptian presidency said Suica was briefed on Egypt’s ongoing efforts to uphold the ceasefire, facilitate a prisoner exchange, and ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza without displacing its Palestinian population.
The meeting underscored the EU’s support for regional stability, with both sides agreeing that establishing a Palestinian state is the only path to lasting peace.
Egypt reaffirmed its commitment to rebuilding Gaza after the Israeli war, emphasizing that reconstruction would take place without forcing Palestinians to leave their homes.
Tensions escalated Sunday when Israel halted humanitarian aid shipments into Gaza, just hours after the first phase of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal ended.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had sought to extend the initial exchange phase, prioritizing the release of Israeli captives without fulfilling Israel’s obligations under the agreement.
Hamas refused to continue under these conditions, demanding Israel adhere to the ceasefire’s terms, including a full withdrawal from Gaza and an end to hostilities.
The war has devastated Gaza, killing more than 48,380 people, mostly women and children, and leaving the enclave in ruins.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice, further intensifying global scrutiny over its military actions.