Egypt Proposes Temporary Ceasefire and Prisoner Exchange in Gaza

Cairo: Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has announced a two-day ceasefire initiative in Gaza, including a prisoner exchange component, following a joint press conference with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune at Ittihadiya Palace. The proposed ceasefire is intended as a preliminary step toward a longer-lasting peace. According to Kuwait News Agency, the Egyptian initiative aims to facilitate the exchange of four Israeli captives for Palestinian prisoners currently held in Israeli jails. El-Sisi emphasized the critical situation in Gaza, where residents are facing severe shortages and approaching starvation, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian aid. President Tebboune expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, commending their resilience in the face of adversity and their refusal to be displaced. Both leaders also addressed regional issues, including the crisis in Sudan, where they agreed on the necessity of non-interference and emphasized the importance of establishing a stable government to lead the nation towards elections and stability. In discussions about Libya, El-Sisi and Tebboune stressed the need for a government capable of organizing elections to establish legitimate leadership. Tebboune also noted the thriving relations between Egypt and Algeria, announcing that Algeria is welcoming Egyptian companies as part of efforts to enhance cooperation between the two nations. President Tebboune's official visit to Cairo marks a continuation of bilateral talks aimed at strengthening the historic ties between Algeria and Egypt.