Sisi, Blinken discuss Gaza amid reports of Israeli invasion of Rafah
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Discussions were mainly centered around efforts to reach an agreement on prisoner exchange and aid delivery to the besieged people of Gaza.
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Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi (R) meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Cairo at the Ittihadia Presidential Palace on January 11, 2024 (Egyptian Presidency)
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Cairo on Tuesday to discuss the regional developments in light of the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza and reports of a near invasion of Rafah city on Egypt's borders.
The two discussed efforts to reach a prisoner exchange deal between the occupation entity and the Resistance, as well as aid delivery to Gazans, who are suffering from a growing famine and spread of infectious diseases due to the Israeli blockade.
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The Egyptian leader underscored his country's determined endeavors in taking the lead in delivering, organizing, and facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza in coordination with UN organizations and other humanitarian agencies, despite the current challenging circumstances.
On that note, he highlighted the vital role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in this aspect.
El-Sisi further stressed the importance of adhering to pertinent international and United Nations resolutions, as well as the necessity of taking significant actions toward achieving a just and all-encompassing resolution to the Palestinian cause to ensure regional stability.
Read more: PFLP vows to turn Rafah into Israeli occupiers 'graveyard' if invaded
For his part, Blinken reiterated Washington's desire to continue coordinating efforts with Cairo toward reaching a settlement in the region and preventing the expansion of the current war.
He also highlighted Egypt's crucial role in the security and stability of the region.
The White House's top diplomat launched earlier this week a Middle Eastern tour as military tensions continue to escalate across the region. This marked his fifth trip since the start of the Israeli war on Gaza in October 2023.
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Before arriving in Cairo, Blinken met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Monday. He is scheduled to also head to Qatar and the Israeli occupation entity.
With the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza for over 4 months and growing reports of an imminent invasion of Rafah, Egypt warned last week that the war on the Strip may not only result in long-term repercussions but could also lead to adverse and lasting effects for Egypt and the broader Middle East.
"Egypt has viewed the events in the Gaza Strip as a very dangerous development that could have long-term consequences in addition to serious and direct negative consequences for the national security of Egypt and the region," Egyptian Presidency spokesperson Ahmed Fahmy said.
He added that from the onset of the Israeli aggression, Cairo has been working to push for a ceasefire and for humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza Strip.
