British premier, Egyptian president discuss situation in Gaza

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke by phone Wednesday with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on the situation in Gaza and the wider Middle East.

Sunak welcomed the opening of the Rafah border crossing on Wednesday for the first British and other nationals and injured Palestinians to leave Gaza, according to a statement by 10 Downing Street.

"The Prime Minister thanked President Sisi for his efforts and said the UK would continue to work closely with Egypt and Israel to ensure all British citizens can leave Gaza safely," said the statement.

The leaders also spoke about the urgent work to increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, while Sunak updated Sisi on plans for a second UK aid flight to support the work of the Egyptian Red Crescent.

Sunak said ensuring that “life-saving aid and medical treatment reaches civilians by all available routes is a top priority and the UK stands ready to provide further support.”

Sunak and Sisi also discussed diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages held by the Palestinian group Hamas, prevent an escalation in the wider Middle East and "achieve long-term peace and prosperity for the Palestinian people."

The Israeli army has expanded its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has been under relentless airstrikes since Hamas launched a surprise cross-border offensive on Oct. 7.

More than 10,300 people have since been killed in the conflict, including at least 8,796 Palestinians and more than 1,538 Israelis, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.