LONDON: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi have held telephone talks to discuss the recent situation in Gaza and the wider Middle East, the UK’s PM office said on Wednesday.
Situation in Gaza
The two sides discussed diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation in the Middle East and achieve long-term peace for the Palestinians”, Sunak’s office said. The UK Prime Minister welcomed the opening of the Rafah crossing to permit British and other foreign citizens and wounded Palestinians to leave Gaza, the statement maintained.
PM Rishi Sunak also updated Egypt’s leader on plans for a 2nd UK aid flight to help the work of the Egyptian Red Crescent, Reuters reported.
Rishi Sunak further said ensuring life-saving help and medical treatment reaches civilian population by all available routes is a main priority and the London stands ready to provide further help.
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Earlier, the health ministry in the Gaza Strip reported a staggering death toll of 8,796 Palestinian people since Israel launched brutal air strikes on October 7. Among the casualties are 3,648 children, and 22,219 people have been wounded, according to the health ministry statement. The Israeli attacks have also resulted in the loss of 132 medics and the destruction of 25 ambulances, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
In response to the escalating situation, ambulances transporting injured Palestinians have been allowed to enter Egypt via the Rafah crossing, which reopened for the first time since the conflict began. The crossing is also facilitating the departure of some dual passport holders and foreign nationals, providing a lifeline for those seeking safety amid the ongoing violence.
