UN chief, Egypt's president discuss efforts to restore calm in Gaza

By Ibrahim al-Khazen

ISTANBUL (AA) - Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke by phone Wednesday on efforts aimed at restoring calm in Gaza following the military escalation between Palestinian groups and Israel.

The Egyptian Presidency said the talks marked the second conversation between them this week.

Guterres expressed his eagerness to continue consulting with Egypt on the developments in the military escalation in Gaza and the threats it poses to regional stability.

The statement added that both sides stressed the importance of avoiding an expansion of the conflict and to allow room for diplomatic efforts.

On Monday, Al-Sisi and Guterres also spoke over the phone and discussed the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Hamas launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood early Saturday, firing a barrage of rockets and infiltrating Israel by land, air and sea.

It said the surprise attack was in response to the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and increased settler violence against Palestinians.

In retaliation, the Israeli military launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas.

More than 2,400 people have been killed, including at least 1,100 Palestinians and 1,300 Israelis.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar