Sameh Shukri (right) and Stephane Sigournet warned of the expansion of the conflict in the region (French)
On Sunday, Egypt and France called for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, warning that developments in the region threaten to worsen the situation and slide into a broader conflict.
This came in statements by Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, during a press conference in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, with his French counterpart, Stephane Ségournet.
Shukri also called for setting a time frame for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, stressing the rejection of the forced displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.
Regarding the results of the discussions between the two ministers, Shukri said, “We stressed the importance of the ceasefire in Gaza and the entry of aid into the Strip.” He added, "We affirm Egypt's rejection of the forced displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip."
Shukri continued, "The Palestinian issue must be dealt with through a comprehensive political framework, and a time frame must be set for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state."
For his part, Sigourney said that his country rejects any displacement of the residents of the Gaza Strip, stressing that the Strip must be part of the future Palestinian state.
The French minister added that the situation in Gaza is tragic and the needs are urgent to increase humanitarian aid.
Sigourney expressed his concern about increasing tensions in the Red Sea region.
The French Minister stressed his country's keenness to coordinate visions and efforts with Egypt towards a permanent ceasefire and prisoner exchange, in light of the agreement of the two countries' positions on the necessity of preventing the circle of conflict from expanding, and activating the two-state solution as a basis for a comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue and restoring security and stability in the Middle East.
Later, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the French Foreign Minister discussed the intensified Egyptian efforts with various partners to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and implement humanitarian aid to end the humanitarian tragedy that the people of the Strip are suffering from.
In a tweet on the X website, Sigourney said, “During my meeting with President Sisi, I renewed our commitment to a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and the relaunch of a two-state political solution.”
Source: Al Jazeera + agencies