The issue of de-escalation of the Israel-Gaza war topped discussion as a number of leaders from the Middle East and Europe have gathered in Cairo, Egypt.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, in his opening remarks was quoted to have said that Palestinians will not be forced off their land.

“We will never accept relocation, we will remain on our land whatever the challenges,” he said.

Abbas is head of the Palestinian Authority, which has control over areas of the occupied West Bank, but not the Hamas-run Gaza Strip.

Egypt and other Arab states have previously said a massive influx of Palestinian refugees fleeing the war would be unacceptable because it would amount to the expulsion of Palestinians from their land.

The meeting, which is called a Summit for Peace, also includes officials from Jordan, Qatar, Italy, Spain, the EU and UK. But, key notable absentees include Israel, the US and Iran.

The number of Israel hostages in Gaza is said to be 210.

According to a BBC report quoting a spokesman from the Israeli military, who says they have so far notified the families of 210 hostages that they are being held in the Gaza Strip.

This does not include American mother and daughter Judith and Natalie Raanan, who were released by Hamas last night.

In this article