Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa held a phone call on Tuesday to discuss the progress of the Gaza ceasefire agreement after months of intense conflict. Their conversation focused on fully implementing the ceasefire terms, addressing the humanitarian crisis, and paving the way for long-term peace in the region.
According to a statement from the Egyptian presidency, President Sisi detailed measures to ensure the agreement’s success, including the exchange of hostages and detainees and the delivery of vital humanitarian aid to Gaza. He emphasized the importance of rebuilding Gaza’s infrastructure and the need for a unified Arab stance to ensure lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.
King Hamad praised Egypt’s efforts in mediating the ceasefire and stressed the necessity of fully implementing the agreement. He called for initiating a political process aimed at securing a permanent peace deal, which he believes is critical to achieving long-term regional stability.
The Gaza ceasefire deal, brokered in January by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, marks a significant step after more than 15 months of violence. The agreement, structured in three stages, began with a six-week initial phase starting on January 19. This phase included the exchange of prisoners, increased humanitarian aid, and a partial Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza.
In their discussions, the two leaders also addressed broader regional challenges, including the evolving crises in Syria, Lebanon, Libya, and Sudan. Both emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach to address these conflicts and promote stability across the region.
As tensions remain high in various parts of the Middle East and North Africa, the leaders called for continued diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and promote peace and recovery for affected populations.