Egypt, France Call For Immediate Ceasefire In Gaza

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) CAIRO, April 7 (KUNA) -- Egyptian President Abdulfattah Al-Sisi and French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized, on Monday, the urgent need to return to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, allow the entry of humanitarian aid, and release the hostages.
This came during a joint press conference held by President Al-Sisi and his French counterpart following bilateral talks and the signing of several cooperation agreements, including an agreement to elevate Egypt-France diplomatic relations to the level of a strategic partnership.
In his speech during the conference, President Al-Sisi stated that he and President Macron discussed in depth the developments on the regional and international fronts, particularly the situation in Gaza, and agreed on rejecting any calls to forcibly displace Palestinians from their land.
He noted that the Arab recovery and reconstruction plan for Gaza was reviewed, and both sides agreed to coordinate efforts for the Gaza reconstruction conference, which Egypt plans to host once hostilities in the Strip cease.
Al-Sisi reaffirmed that achieving stability and lasting peace in the Middle East will remain out of reach as long as the Palestinian issue lacks a fair resolution and as long as the Palestinian people continue to suffer the ravages of destructive wars.
He added that he and the President of France discussed he establishment of a Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
They also discussed the developments in Syria and Lebanon, and agreed on the importance of preserving Syria's unity and territorial integrity, and the necessity of ending the Israeli occupation of Syrian territories.
President El-Sisi said the discussions with his French counterpart also covered water security, reiterating Egypt's firm position that the Nile River, and the situation in Sudan and regional developments in the Horn of Africa.
On his part, President Macron condemned the resumption of the Israeli occupation's strikes on Gaza during the press conference and called for the immediate return to the ceasefire and the release of hostages, emphasizing that negotiations must resume without delay and in a constructive manner.
Macron added that France strongly oppose the forced displacement of populations and the annexation of Gaza and the West Bank, as this violates international law and poses a serious threat to regional security.
Macron reiterated France's support for the reconstruction plan for Gaza adopted by the Arab League on March 4, and praised Egypt's continuous efforts to achieve a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages.
President Macron emphasized that Egypt is a strategic partner for France and stated that his country strongly supports Egypt in implementing its 2030 development agenda.
He reiterated France's commitment to continuing financial cooperation to implement Egypt's priority projects, contributing to its development and stability, through French investments and bilateral European assistance. (end)
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