LONDON: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Egypt鈥檚 President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi spoke on Wednesday to discuss the situation in Gaza and the wider Middle East, Sunak鈥檚 office said in a statement following the call.

Sunak鈥檚 office said the pair 鈥渄iscussed diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, prevent escalation in the wider Middle East and achieve long-term peace and prosperity for the Palestinian people.鈥�

Sunak also welcomed the opening of the Rafah crossing to allow British and other foreign nationals and injured Palestinians to leave Gaza, his office said.

The prime minister updated El-Sisi on plans for a second UK aid flight to support the work of the Egyptian Red Crescent.

He said ensuring life-saving aid and medical treatment reaches civilians by all available routes is a top priority and the UK stands ready to provide further support.

* With Reuters