Egypt, UAE Presidents hold talks in Cairo

Egypt President Abdel-Fattah El-Sissi welcomed his United Aran Emirates (UAE) counterpart to Cairo on Thursday.

Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met El-Sissi on the tarmac of Cairo airport.

The visit comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East as Israel intensifies its bombing campaign in Lebanon.

Alongside the United States, Egypt has been working unsuccessfully to broker a ceasefire in Gaza.

The visit also comes as pressure mounts on the Emiratis over accusations of backing Sudanese rebels accused of committing war crimes.

The Emirati president’s delegation included the ministers of industry, investment, and defence, as well as a national security advisor.

Financially troubled Egypt has had to rely on Emirati largesse in recent years to support its faltering economy.

Worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening by the day, with devastating consequences for its residents.

The conflict has resulted in staggering losses: over 40,000 people killed and at least 94,000 injured, with no safe spaces left.

The entire population of Gaza, approximately 1.9 million people, faces critical food insecurity, with 96% experiencing acute food insecurity and nearly half a million in catastrophic conditions.

This has led to widespread malnutrition, particularly among children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

The situation is further exacerbated by acute water shortages, with 67% of critical water infrastructure damaged or destroyed.

This has left many without access to clean drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Additionally, around 1.9 million people, nine in ten Gazans, have been displaced at least once, forced to move from one unsafe place to another.

This displacement has resulted in overcrowding, poor sanitation conditions, and increased risk of violence, infection, and disease, particularly for women and girls.

Organizations like the Palestine Red Crescent Society, UNICEF, and UNFPA are working tirelessly to provide vital aid, including emergency obstetric care, life-saving medicines, and essential hygiene supplies.

Despite these efforts, the situation remains dire, and continued support is crucial.

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