Biden speaks with Egyptian counterpart on Israel-Palestine conflict

WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden has spoken with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and the two leaders discussed the peace process in the Middle East and the urgent need to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza strip.
Biden thanked Egypt for its successful diplomacy and coordination with the United States to end the recent hostilities in Israel and Gaza and ensure violence does not reoccur, the White House said in a readout of the call on Monday.
The two leaders consulted on the urgent need to deliver humanitarian assistance to those in need in Gaza and to support rebuilding efforts in a manner that benefits the people there and not Hamas.
Biden on Monday asked his top diplomat Blinken to travel to the Middle East to meet Israeli and Palestinian leaders, among other regional leaders, and advance the peace process, amid a ceasefire between the two sides.
“Following up on our quiet, intensive diplomacy to bring about a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, I have asked my Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, to travel to the Middle East this week. During his trip, Secretary Blinken will meet with Israeli leaders about our ironclad commitment to Israel’s security,” Biden said in a statement.
Blinken will travel to Jerusalem, Ramallah, Cairo and Amman through Thursday and meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah, the State Department said.
His trip comes days after the announcement of Egypt-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian factions in Gaza Strip.
During their phone call, Biden and Al-Sisi also discussed their commitment to upholding Libyan plans for national elections in December and the removal of all foreign military and irregular forces from Libya. They also affirmed their support for the Iraqi government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s full sovereignty and independence.
“Biden underscored the importance of a constructive dialogue on human rights in Egypt. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a strong and productive US-Egypt partnership,” said the readout of the call.
“Regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, President Biden acknowledged Egypt’s concerns about access to Nile River waters and underscored the US interest in achieving a diplomatic resolution that meets the legitimate needs of Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia,” the White House said.