Fierce fighting in northern Gaza as aid rolls off US-built pier

CAIRO: Egypt, Qatar and the US have jointly called on Hamas and Israel to finalize an agreement outlined by US President Joe Biden.

The joint press statement said: "As mediators in the ongoing discussions to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages and detainees, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar jointly call on both Hamas and Israel to finalize the agreement embodying the principles outlined by President Biden on May 31, 2024."

These principles bring together the demands of all parties in a deal that serves numerous interests and will bring immediate relief to the long-suffering people of Gaza as well as the long-suffering hostages and their families. This deal offers a roadmap for a permanent ceasefire and an end to the crisis.

Biden on Friday revealed a three-phase proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, saying it was "time for this war to end."

The US president said the first phase of the proposed deal would last for six weeks and include a "full and complete ceasefire."

In a separate context, on Saturday, Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Lindsey Graham, Republican minority leader of the US Senate and ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations. 

Graham lauded Egypt's fundamental role in reinforcing security and stability in the region, as well as the strategic partnership between Egypt and the US.

He said that successive regional and global crises have highlighted the need to further strengthen the partnership, because it is a key pillar of regional stability.

Graham pointed out Egypt's efforts and mediation to contain the situation in Gaza and acknowledged the burdens Egypt endured to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

During the meeting, El-Sisi reiterated the importance of concerted international efforts to stop the war and prevent the expansion of its humanitarian and security repercussions.

He warned against the danger of the persistent and ongoing Israeli military operations in the Palestinian city of Rafah, the ensuing exacerbation of the humanitarian catastrophe suffered by the people of Gaza and the effect of the war on regional security.

El-Sisi also affirmed the necessity for all parties to engage seriously in efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement in a way that allows progress toward implementing the two-state solution, the optimal path to ensure justice and sustainable security in the region.