Cairo: Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a telephone discussion in which they stressed the importance of building on the latest UN Security Council resolution concerning the Gaza Strip, the Egyptian presidency said on Tuesday.
Both leaders agreed that following through on the resolution is essential to strengthen the current ceasefire and advance broader de-escalation efforts in Gaza.
On Monday, the UN Security Council approved a US-drafted resolution supporting the establishment of an international stabilization force (ISF) in Gaza, according to Xinhua news agency. The measure authorizes UN member states and the Board of Peace — a transitional administration responsible for coordinating reconstruction — to form a temporary ISF that will operate in accordance with international law. Contributions to the force are expected to be made “in close consultation and cooperation” with Egypt and Israel.
During their call, Sisi and Starmer also emphasised the need to build on the outcomes of the Sharm El-Sheikh summit held in Egypt in October, particularly regarding the delivery of humanitarian aid and the start of reconstruction work.
Starmer reaffirmed the urgency of ensuring that adequate humanitarian assistance reaches civilians in Gaza, calling for all necessary steps to be taken, including encouraging more international relief organisations to expand their efforts.
Separately, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit welcomed the Security Council resolution, describing it on Tuesday as “the beginning of the road, not its end.” He said significant work lies ahead to turn the resolution’s provisions into concrete actions that can meaningfully improve conditions for Palestinians.
Aboul-Gheit also pointed to the resolution’s key reference to a credible path toward the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
