Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Hillary Clinton and Morsi Announce Hold Fire in Mideast

Israel and fighters in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip will "hold fire" beginning at 2 p.m. ET, Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr just announced at a joint news conference with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Via NPR


From the White House:

The President commended the Prime Minister for agreeing to the Egyptian ceasefire proposal – which the President recommended the Prime Minster do – while reiterating that Israel maintains the right to defend itself.

The President said that the United States would use the opportunity offered by a ceasefire to intensify efforts to help Israel address its security needs, especially the issue of the smuggling of weapons and explosives into Gaza.
Readout of Obama's call with Morsi:

President Obama spoke to President Morsi today. The President thanked President Morsi for his efforts to achieve a sustainable ceasefire and for his personal leadership in negotiating a ceasefire proposal. President Morsi expressed appreciation for President Obama’s efforts in this regard.

President Obama and President Morsi agreed on the importance of working toward a more durable solution to the situation in Gaza.

President Obama reaffirmed the close partnership between the United States and Egypt, and welcomed President Morsi's commitment to regional security.