Egypt's president reiterates opposition to Israeli ground operation in Gaza Strip

By Samar L Kasim

ISTANBUL (AA) - Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Wednesday reiterated his opposition to an Israeli ground operation in the Gaza Strip.

“I discussed with (French) President (Emmanuel) Macron ways to contain the crisis in Gaza, Sisi said at a news conference with his French counterpart in Cairo.

“And I stressed the importance of seeking to stop any ground invasion of the Gaza Strip.”

Invading Gaza “means more civilian casualties,” he said. "Aid must be delivered urgently to the besieged Gaza Strip."

“Macron understands the seriousness of the forced displacement of the population of Gaza,” added al-Sisi.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel is preparing for a ground operation on a date to be decided by the war cabinet, without giving details.

The Israeli army continued to target Gaza for a 19th straight day with intensive air raids that destroyed entire neighborhoods, killing 6,546 Palestinians, including 2,704 children, 1,584 women and 295 elderly people.

The assault has left 17,439 Palestinians wounded and more than 1,600 missing.