The leaders of Egypt and Jordan have condemned Israel’s “collective punishment” policy against Palestinians in Gaza and its efforts to displace “Palestinians from their lands to Egypt or Jordan.”

King Abdullah and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Thursday discussed the military escalation in Gaza during their talks in Cairo.

El-Sisi and the king expressed satisfaction with the recent developments in their close bilateral relations.

During their talks, they reviewed ways to foster closer cooperation to realize the aspirations of the Egyptian and Jordanian people.

They emphasized their commitment to continuing consultations and coordination at the highest political levels in the two countries.

The meeting also focused on the current military escalation in the Gaza Strip and the subsequent deterioration in the security situation and humanitarian conditions of the Palestinian people in Gaza, and the deaths and injuries of thousands, said Ahmad Fahmy, a presidential spokesperson.

El-Sisi and King Abdullah again condemned in the strongest terms the bombing of Al-Ahly hospital and all acts targeting civilians, Fahmy said.

The two stressed the need to sustainably deliver humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing.

They affirmed the rejection of collective punishment policies, including the siege, starvation and displacement of Palestinians from their land to Egypt or Jordan.

Fahmy said that the two leaders warned of the danger of Israeli directives and policies on regional security.

The meeting discussed the efforts of Egypt and Jordan to push for calm and de-escalation.

El-Sisi and King Abdullah II reaffirmed their position that stability in the region required the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy, for peace, security and prosperity in the region, Fahmy said.