Egypt, Saudi leaders back Gaza ceasefire, reject Palestinian displacement
2026-02-23 - 22:22
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the Gaza ceasefire and preventing regional escalation during talks Monday in Saudi Arabia. Sisi arrived in the kingdom early Monday for a "brotherly visit" focused on coordinating positions on the Palestinian issue and broader Middle East stability. Gaza Ceasefire and Reconstruction An Egyptian presidency statement said the leaders emphasized the need for all parties to adhere to the ceasefire agreement that halted Israel's two-year war on Gaza, and to implement US President Donald Trump's peace plan. They called for unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid and accelerated early recovery and reconstruction efforts. Both leaders rejected any attempts to displace Palestinians from their land, stressing that the solution lies in launching a comprehensive political process leading to a two-state solution. The US-backed ceasefire has been in place since October 10, though Gaza's Health Ministry reports Israeli forces have committed hundreds of violations, killing 615 Palestinians and injuring 1,651. Regional Stability and Arab Solidarity The discussions addressed broader regional and international issues, with emphasis on avoiding escalation, supporting dialogue-based solutions, and strengthening Arab solidarity to confront common challenges. The meeting comes amid rising US-Iran tensions, with Washington increasing its military presence in the Persian Gulf and Trump warning of military action if a nuclear deal is not reached within 10 to 15 days. Iran and the US are set to resume talks in Geneva on Thursday. Strategic Coordination Sisi and bin Salman's consultation reflects ongoing strategic coordination between Cairo and Riyadh, two of the region's most influential Arab powers. Their unified stance on Gaza—supporting the ceasefire while firmly opposing displacement—signals continued Arab opposition to any demographic changes in Palestinian territories. The meeting also positioned both leaders as key interlocutors in regional diplomacy, capable of engaging with multiple parties to prevent wider conflagration as the US-Iran nuclear deadline approaches.