Progress in Gaza ceasefire talks has prompted a new wave of diplomatic activity, with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi hosting former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
El-Sissi praised Trump’s role in facilitating the breakthrough, saying the agreement “would not have been possible without him,” while urging Israel to exercise restraint.
“It is important that we also make an effort to convince the Israelis to calm down or to stop the fire until the agreement that was reached is signed. This will be very, very important,” the Egyptian president said.
Witkoff highlighted the broad international collaboration that helped advance the deal, citing the coordinated efforts of Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Israel.
“To watch it was really, to me, a great example of the world coming together,” Witkoff said.
The first phase of the ceasefire has now taken effect following Israel’s approval of a U.S.-brokered plan. However, it remains unclear whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a full military halt. Hamas has stated it will not release hostages until a formal declaration officially ends the war.
Source:Africa Publicity
