Sisi Presses CIA Chief Ratcliffe to Fully Implement Gaza Ceasefire's Second Phase

September 20, 2026 — Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met CIA Director John Ratcliffe in Cairo, a rare visit for a sitting CIA chief, with Egypt's General Intelligence Service chief Hassan Rashad also present. Sisi called for full implementation of the second phase of the US-brokered plan to consolidate the Gaza ceasefire — including a broader Israeli military withdrawal, reconstruction and the start of a disarmament process — while ensuring civilian protection and sustained, unhindered humanitarian aid, and said conditions should be created for resuming a political process toward a two-state settlement based on international legitimacy. He separately urged a comprehensive agreement to resolve the Iran crisis and safeguard maritime navigation, and reaffirmed support for Sudanese sovereignty. Ratcliffe praised Egypt's 'pivotal role' in reaching the Gaza ceasefire and conveyed greetings from President Trump. The meeting underscores that, nearly a year after the October 2025 ceasefire took hold, its second-phase obligations remain unimplemented.