Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi hosted a trilateral summit in Cairo on Monday, April 7, with French President Emmanuel Macron and Jordan's King Abdullah II to address the escalating crisis in Gaza. As Israel resumed military operations in the Gaza strip, the leaders called for an immediate return to the ceasefire to protect Palestinian civilians and ensure the urgent and full delivery of humanitarian aid. They urged the implementation of the January 19 ceasefire agreement, which stipulates the release of all hostages and detainees and guarantees the security of all parties. The three leaders underscored that the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers, as well as unimpeded humanitarian access, are obligations under international and international humanitarian law. Expressing deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, the leaders called for an end to all unilateral measures that undermine the two-state solution and heighten tensions. They also stressed the need to preserve the historical status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem. The leaders rejected any forced displacement of Palestinians or attempts to annex Palestinian territories. In this context, they called for international support for the Gaza Reconstruction Plan adopted by the Arab League summit in Cairo on March 4 and by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation on March 7. They also discussed effective implementation mechanisms, particularly in matters of security and governance. They affirmed that governance and the maintenance of order and security in Gaza—and across all Palestinian territories—must rest exclusively with an empowered Palestinian Authority, backed by strong regional and international support. The leaders expressed their readiness to assist in this regard in coordination with partners. The summit reaffirmed the importance of consolidating these efforts during the upcoming June conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, aimed at laying out a clear political horizon to implement the two-state solution. The leaders also voiced support for the upcoming Gaza Reconstruction Conference to be held in Cairo and thanked President Sisi for hosting the summit. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
