British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi spoke to discuss the situation in Gaza and the wider Middle East, Reuters reports.

Sunak’s office said the pair “discussed 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.”

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.