Sisi Urges Israel to Halt Expansion of Control in Gaza

Email:online@newsofbahrain.com

Evian: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has called on Israel to stop expanding its control over the Gaza Strip, warning that Palestinians are being left with only a small portion of the territory under current military plans.

Speaking at a session on Middle East stability during the G7 summit in the French resort of Evian, Sisi criticised Israel's move to take control of more areas in Gaza, saying the approach must end immediately.

According to Sisi, Israeli forces now control around 60 percent of Gaza and are moving towards taking control of 70 percent of the enclave. He said this would leave only about 30 percent of the territory available to Palestinians.

The Egyptian leader reiterated that there was no alternative to a lasting political solution based on the two-state framework. He also called for the implementation of US President Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza.

Israel's latest territorial expansion follows an order issued by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last month. The move has raised concerns over the future of a ceasefire that came into effect in October and was intended to reduce hostilities and pave the way for a broader settlement.

Under the truce agreement, Israeli forces were expected to withdraw behind a designated line separating areas controlled by Hamas and the Israeli military. However, progress towards the next phase of the ceasefire has stalled for months.

Egypt has played a major role in mediating between Israel and Hamas since the war began following the group's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

While the first phase of the ceasefire led to the release of hostages held in Gaza and Palestinians detained by Israel, negotiations on Hamas's disarmament and a gradual Israeli withdrawal have yet to advance.

Despite the ceasefire, violence continues in Gaza, with both Israel and Hamas accusing each other of violating the agreement.

PiC Credit: AFP