Egyptian, US leaders push for Gaza ceasefire deal

Egyptian President Abdulfattah Al-Sisi and his US peer Joe Biden agreed to intensify the joint mediation efforts aiming to establish immediate ceasefire in Gaza Strip. During a phone conversation, initiated by President Biden on Friday, the two leaders reviewed the outcomes of the just-ended two-day Doha round of talks on truce in Gaza and exchange of prisoners, said Egyptian Presidential Spokesman Ahmad Fahmy. President Al-Sisi reaffirmed continued contact with all concerned parties in the Middle East to urge them to avoid escalation of tension and maintain self-restraint, and prevent the region from sliding into vicious cycle of violence, the spokesman said in a press release. On his part, President Biden appreciated Egypt's role in the joint mediation and coordination which reflects the strength and depth of the Egyptian-US strategic partnership. The two leaders also discussed the situation in Sudan, including the initiatives aiming to restore security and stability in the country, Fahmy added. Sourc e : Kuwait News Agency