Sisi: Egypt strives to secure a ceasefire in Gaza

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said that Egypt is seeking to reach a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza, increase aid entry, and allow displaced people in the south of the enclave to move to the north.

Sisi also warned against the danger of an Israeli incursion into the city of Rafah, where an estimated 1.5 million people have sought shelter next to Gaza's border with Egypt.

Aid officials have warned of looming famine in the coastal enclave.

"We are talking about reaching a ceasefire in Gaza, meaning a truce, providing the largest quantity of aid," Sisi said in a message recorded during a visit to a military academy.

He said this would include "curbing the impact of this famine on people and also allowing the people in the center and the south to move towards the north, with a powerful warning against incursion into Rafah."

"We warned of what is happening, that aid not entering would lead to famine," Sisi said.

Egypt, which fears the displacement of Palestinians crowded near its border, has been trying, along with Qatar and the United States, to mediate between Israel and Hamas to reach an agreement for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners.

On Thursday, Egypt's foreign minister called on Israel to open land crossings with Gaza to let in more aid.

Reuters