Israel confirms release of two US hostages by Hamas

Global leaders must pursue every effort to avoid a “contagion of conflict” spreading from the Israel-Hamas war, the UK prime minister and Egyptian president have agreed.

Rishi Sunak and Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met on Friday in Cairo, where they discussed the importance of stopping terrorism and protecting civilians, according to Downing Street.

Sunak welcomed efforts by Egypt to reopen the Rafah border crossing with Gaza as soon as possible and stressed the UK’s commitment to alleviating the dire humanitarian situation there, Number 10 said.

Sunak also met with Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, in Cairo, and expressed his condolences for the loss of civilian lives in Gaza. The pair “condemned Hamas’ terrorism and stressed that Hamas do not represent the Palestinian people”, Number 10 said.