Saudi Arabia, Egypt call for end to fighting

Leaders urge more humanitarian aid amid growing US military presence

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud have jointly called for de-escalation and a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon amid escalating violence and increased US military presence in Israel, which have worsened the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East.

During a bilateral meeting in Cairo on Tuesday, the two leaders reiterated their appeal to increase the flow of humanitarian aid to the affected areas. They said establishing a sovereign State of Palestine, in accordance with international resolutions, is the only path to achieving lasting peace and security in the region, Egyptian news website Ahram Online reported.

They said any attempt to liquidate the Palestinian cause would only perpetuate the current conflict and called for respect for Lebanon's sovereignty, security and stability.