According to a statement from the spokesman of the Egyptian Presidency, Ahmed Fahmy, El-Sisi also stressed the importance of a prisoner exchange between the Palestinian movement Hamas and Israel. He also called for a greater volume of humanitarian aid to Gaza to alleviate the suffering of the displaced population.

The president told Senators Chris Van Hollen and Jeff Merkley that the international community must promote a definitive settlement of the conflict based on a fair and complete solution to the Palestinian cause.

During the meeting, both sides categorically rejected any attempt to displace Gazans, Fahmy said.

The American lawmakers were received by Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, who reiterated Egypt’s rejection of any Israeli plan to displace the population of the Gaza Strip or end the Palestinian cause.

The Foreign Minister warned that such proposals will affect the stability of the Middle East, ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said in a statement.

Shoukry also called for an immediate ceasefire and increased volumes of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, amid numerous complaints about Israel’s attempts to limit its entry.

mh/llp/jha/Rob