Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have called for the swift implementation of a ceasefire agreement aimed at halting the ongoing violence in Gaza. The call comes a day after Qatar brokered a deal to end over 15 months of Israeli attacks on the Palestinian enclave.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, in talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on January 15, 2025, stressed the urgent need for the ceasefire to begin without delay. The deal, announced by Qatar on January 14, 2025, seeks to bring an end to the bloodshed in Gaza, which has seen nearly 46,800 casualties, mostly women and children, since the Hamas-led incursion on October 7, 2023.
The three-phase ceasefire, set to begin on Sunday, includes provisions for a prisoner exchange and aims to establish lasting peace and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
In addition to endorsing the ceasefire, both leaders emphasized the importance of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, highlighting the necessity of ensuring its delivery without obstacles to alleviate the suffering of civilians.
Sisi and Sheikh Mohammed also discussed the situation in Lebanon, urging efforts to restore stability following the election of President Joseph Aoun earlier this month. The two leaders reiterated their commitment to consolidating the ceasefire in Lebanon, protecting its people, and working toward their aspirations.
The leaders further addressed Syria’s ongoing crisis, advocating for the country’s unity, stability, and territorial integrity. They called for an inclusive political process that reflects the will of the Syrian people and includes all components of society.