CAIRO, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani called on Monday for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and rejected any reoccupation of the territory, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency.
The two leaders met in Cairo as Egypt hosted indirect talks between Hamas and Israel on a potential truce. During their discussion, both leaders reviewed the joint efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to secure a ceasefire and ensure the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid.
They also "categorically" rejected any attempts to displace Palestinians from their land, the statement said. They also emphasized that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state is the only path to lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.
Earlier in the day, Hamas confirmed it had received a new ceasefire proposal from Egyptian and Qatari mediators. The plan calls for a 60-day truce and the phased release of all hostages.
