CAIRO, May 22 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a phone conversation on Thursday to discuss regional developments, with a particular focus on the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip.
During the call, Sisi reviewed the situation in Gaza and Egypt's efforts -- undertaken in cooperation with Qatar and the United States -- to secure a ceasefire and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, the Egyptian presidency said in a statement.
Sisi reiterated Egypt's firm opposition to any attempts to displace Palestinians or undermine the Palestinian cause. He also emphasized the importance of translating current international support for the Arab-Islamic initiative to reconstruct Gaza into concrete, actionable measures once a ceasefire is achieved.
He further expressed appreciation for Britain's positive stance on the Palestinian issue and the situation in Gaza. Both leaders agreed to maintain coordination on regional and international developments.
The call came two days after British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the suspension of trade talks with Israel in response to its blockade of Gaza.
On Monday, Britain, France, and Canada jointly stated that "if Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid," they will take further concrete action. ■
