Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas stressed on Monday their absolute rejection of any attempts aimed at “liquidating the Palestinian issue or the forced displacement of the Palestinians.”
During a meeting in Cairo, they said the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, with East Jerusalem as its capital, is the fundamental for security and stability in the region.
The Sisi-Abbas meeting comes on the eve of an expected visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Ramallah and Cairo. Blinken is on a tour of the region aimed at preventing the spillover of the Gaza conflict into the region.
Experts told Asharq Al-Awsat that Blinken’s trip is also seeking to coordinate positions between Egypt and Palestine on the future of post-war Gaza.
During their meeting, Sisi and Abbas reviewed the latest developments in Gaza and the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding there. They also reviewed the situation in the West Bank where Israeli violence against Palestinians has escalated.
Sisi then reviewed Egypt’s intense efforts and contacts with the various actors to push for a ceasefire and for the immediate and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Abbas expressed immense appreciation for Egypt’s role in support to the Palestinians.
Egypt is currently mediating a resolution of the crisis in Gaza. Last month, Cairo hosted delegations from Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad to discuss a ceasefire. It also recently presented a three-phase initiative for a ceasefire and a solution to the Palestinian issue.
Diaa Rashwan, head of the State Information Service, said on Friday that the plan was sent to the relevant parties and international partners. Egypt was awaiting responses to the proposal.
Former Palestinian minister Hassan Asfour told Asharq Al-Awsat that Abbas's visit to Cairo aims to quell any misunderstandings over the Egyptian initiative, particularly since it proposed the formation of a government of technocrats, which the Palestinian Authority opposes.
