New Delhi: President Joe Biden spoke Thursday with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi to discuss negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release deal in the Middle East.
According to a White House press release, the two leaders discussed a deal based on an arrangement Biden outlined last year, which the UN Security Council unanimously endorsed. Biden thanked el-Sisi for his leadership and praised Egypt’s mediating role throughout the process. He emphasized that the deal would not have been possible without Egypt’s long-standing involvement in the Middle East and its commitment to resolving conflicts through diplomacy.
Both leaders highlighted the urgent need for the agreement to be implemented swiftly to provide immediate relief to the people of Gaza. This includes facilitating an increase in humanitarian aid enabled by the ceasefire, and the return of hostages to their families.
Biden and el-Sisi pledged to maintain close coordination directly and through their respective teams in the coming hours, the release read.