CAIRO, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa discussed on Tuesday the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement over the phone, the Egyptian presidency said in a statement.

Sisi highlighted the efforts that have been exerted to ensure the full implementation of the agreement, including the exchange of hostages and detainees, and the delivery of humanitarian aid and relief to Gaza to alleviate people's suffering, according to the statement.

The Egyptian president also underscored "the crucial importance of rebuilding Gaza and the imperative for a unified Arab stance to reinforce the achievement of lasting peace and stability in the Middle East."

For his part, the Bahraini king commended Egypt's role in mediating the ceasefire while affirming "the necessity of fully implementing the agreement and the inevitability of starting a political process conducive to a permanent peace agreement realizing the desired stability in the region."

Israel and Hamas reached a three-stage ceasefire deal in January, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, after more than 15 months of fighting in Gaza. The initial stage effective Jan. 19 lasts for six weeks and includes a limited exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, increased aid into Gaza, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from the enclave.

The two leaders also discussed the broader regional situation, including the developments in Syria, Lebanon, Libya, and Sudan, stressing the need to work towards stability and prevent further conflicts, said the statement. Enditem

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