Cairo summit calls for renewed Gaza ceasefire amid humanitarian crisis

In a significant diplomatic effort, President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt hosted a trilateral summit on Monday in Cairo, uniting French President Emmanuel Macron and Jordanian King Abdullah II to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The leaders urged the international community to intervene decisively in halting Israel’s military actions in Gaza, advocating for a swift return to a ceasefire and the resumption of humanitarian aid. They emphasized the urgent need to alleviate the dire conditions faced by the Palestinian population, which has been severely affected by ongoing conflict.

Following the meeting, the Egyptian presidency issued a statement calling for immediate measures to protect Palestinians and facilitate the delivery of essential humanitarian assistance. The blockade imposed by Israel has exacerbated the crisis, preventing vital supplies from entering the region.

King Abdullah II condemned the ongoing violence, asserting that Israel’s actions hinder diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict and threaten regional stability. He highlighted the necessity of pursuing a political solution to ensure lasting peace based on a two-state framework.

The discussions reinforced the goal of establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, seeking a comprehensive resolution to the conflict that ensures security for both Palestinians and Israelis.

Macron acknowledged the critical roles of Jordan and Egypt in championing Palestinian rights and expressed France’s commitment to restoring stability and facilitating a political resolution to the crisis.

In a related development, Macron arranged a phone call from Cairo with U.S. President Donald Trump, Al-Sisi, and King Abdullah to deliberate on immediate steps to secure a ceasefire and ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance, while also addressing the release of hostages.

As the summit concluded, reports indicated that Israeli forces continued their operations in Gaza, resulting in further casualties. Local health authorities have reported over 50,000 fatalities since the onset of the conflict on October 7, 2023.

France has expressed support for an Arab-led initiative aimed at reconstructing Gaza, albeit with a firm stance against involving Hamas in governance. Macron asserted that any plans for the future of Gaza must comply with international law, emphasizing that the rights and safety of civilians must be prioritized.

With the situation remaining precarious, the leaders pledged to maintain communication and coordination with the U.S. to explore viable solutions for peace in the region.