As part of his Middle East itinerary, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak held a meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Egypt.
In a unified stance, Sunak and Abbas censured the attacks by Hamas on Israel, with the former prime minister expressing profound regret for the civilian deaths in Gaza.
Another key discussion took place with Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, where they both spoke about the importance of preventing the escalation of conflict.
Africa Today News, New York, Learned that the Prime Minister appealed for the immediate reopening of the Egypt-Gaza border, highlighting the presence of approximately 20 aid trucks ready for entry.
In a summary of the conversation between Sunak and Abbas, Downing Street said they ‘condemned Hamas’s terrorism and stressed that Hamas do not represent the Palestinian people’.
‘The prime minister underscored his commitment to opening up humanitarian access to Gaza to alleviate the suffering of thousands of people who desperately need food, water and medicine,’ the statement added.
With control over sections of the occupied West Bank, Abbas is at the helm of the Palestinian Authority, while the Hamas-led governance operates in the Gaza Strip.
In a post on X, Sunak restated his dedication to making sure the region returns to its peaceful condition while rebuking terror against Israel and calling on his global counterparts to help quell the violence.
‘I am in Egypt as part of wider efforts to prevent the spread of violence following the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel.’
“All leaders must work together to avoid any regional escalation and ensure humanitarian aid reaches civilians in Gaza.
“The UK stands ready to help,” Sunak said.
Meanwhile, in his earlier meeting with President El-Sisi, Downing Street said Sunak “praised Egypt’s efforts in attempting to secure the delivery of aid” through the Rafah border crossing with Gaza.
The statement also noted the pair agreed “global leaders should do everything possible to avoid a contagion of conflict in the region” as well as make “every effort” to stop terrorism and protect civilians.
Speaking to the media before his return to the UK, Sunak emphasized the pressing priority of delivering humanitarian aid to those in Gaza, confirming that the UK has been actively engaged in discussions with Egypt to provide hands-on assistance.