Egyptian president, Spanish king urge immediate ceasefire in Gaza

CAIRO - Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and Spanish King Felipe VI on Wednesday called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the release of hostages, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, the Egyptian presidency said.

In a closed-door meeting at Al Ittihadiya Presidential Palace, the two leaders warned that forced displacement of Palestinians would worsen regional instability and trigger illegal migration toward Europe. They also denounced Israeli settlement expansion and threats to annex Palestinian territories in the West Bank as "a flagrant violation of international law".

Sisi praised Spain's support for a just and comprehensive Middle East peace, including its recognition of the State of Palestine in May 2024. King Felipe VI commended Egypt's efforts over the past two years to broker a Gaza ceasefire and prepare a reconstruction plan.

The leaders also reaffirmed "categorical rejection of attempts to displace Palestinians from their land", citing the broader implications for Palestinian rights and neighboring countries' security.

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were formally received by Sisi at a ceremony marked by a 21-gun salute and honour guard. The king's visit is the first by a Spanish monarch to Egypt and follows the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership after Sisi visited Madrid in February.