From the Liveblog of
Sunday, October 29, 2023
Biden and Egypt’s Sissi discuss aid to Gaza, need to protect civilians
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleJacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
US President Joe Biden spoke earlier today with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, as he works the phones to try and get more humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Biden “expressed his appreciation for Egypt’s leading role in efforts to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population of Gaza,” the US readout say.
“The two leaders committed to the significant acceleration and increase of assistance flowing into Gaza beginning today and then continuously,” the White House says.
“They also discussed the importance of protecting civilian lives, respect for international humanitarian law and ensuring that Palestinians in Gaza are not displaced to Egypt or any other nation,” the US readout says, giving a nod to Egypt’s rejection of calls from some in Israel to take in refugees from Gaza.
The proposals have infuriated Cairo, particularly because Jerusalem has refused to publicly promise that it will allow Gazans to return to the enclave after the war, an Arab diplomat told The Times of Israel last week.
Biden also briefed Sissi on “US efforts to ensure that regional actors not expand the conflict in Gaza and also on continuing efforts to secure the release of hostages,” the White House says.
The Times of Israel Community.