Biden and Egypt’s El-Sisi Discuss ‘Final Stage’ of Negotiations

Efforts continue across the region to prevent the war from escalating into a broader conflict following the recent killings of a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon and Hamas’ top political leader in Iran.

In Gaza, the sole corridor for humanitarian aid to the south has been closed due to ongoing fighting in the area. The Palestinian territory is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis, with the Health Ministry reporting that the death toll in the conflict is nearing 40,000.

On Tuesday, U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi about their hopes to reduce Middle East tensions through a ceasefire and a deal for the release of hostages. The White House stated that negotiations “have now reached a final stage,” with Biden and El-Sisi “agreeing on the urgency of bringing the process to closure as soon as possible.”

Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Hamas’s newly appointed political chief Yahya Sinwar to accept a Gaza ceasefire. Blinken emphasized Sinwar’s key role in the decision, stating, “He has been and remains the primary decider when it comes to concluding the ceasefire. This only underscores the fact that it is really on him to decide whether to move forward with a ceasefire that will help so many Palestinians in desperate need.”

On Tuesday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty spoke with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, stressing efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East amid Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza. Abdelatty warned of the risks of a broader conflict that could destabilize the region and its security, according to a statement from the Egyptian foreign ministry.

During the call, Abdelatty confirmed that Egypt is working with China and other regional and international leaders to “stop the bloodshed in the Gaza Strip.” He also criticized Israel’s policy of “political assassinations and violations of states’ sovereignty,” saying it has worsened the crisis and significantly increased regional tensions.