Egypt's president, German chancellor discuss preventing regional expansion of conflict

CAIRO -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Monday discussed in a phone call the recent developments and expansion of the regional tension, the Egyptian presidency said in a statement.

Sisi reviewed Egypt's efforts to reach an immediate and urgent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as well as the exchange of detainees and hostages.

The Egyptian moves aim to "provide protection for the civilians in the seaside enclave," who have been suffering humanitarian catastrophic conditions over the past months, the Egyptian president said.

For his part, Scholz lauded Egypt's constructive role in the region.

The statement said that the two leaders discussed efforts to prevent "the looming expansion of the scope of the conflict over the region," carrying dire consequences in the Middle East and international peace and security.

They agreed on the importance of the two-state solution as the basis for restoring peace, security, and stability in the region.