CAIRO, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday discussed developments in the Middle East and ways to restore regional stability.

During a phone conversation, Sisi reviewed Egypt's efforts to facilitate a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the Egyptian presidency said in a statement.

He stressed the importance of reaching an agreement on the Gaza conflict and urgently delivering humanitarian aid to the Strip.

The Egyptian president also emphasized that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions, is the only guarantee of sustainable stability in the Middle East.

The call also addressed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in the economic, trade, and investment fields. Both sides affirmed their commitment to jointly exploring prospects for cooperation in various sectors.

Israel resumed military operations in the enclave on March 18. Since then, at least 6,203 Palestinians have been killed and 21,601 others wounded, according to Gaza-based health authorities on Monday. This brings the total Palestinian death toll since the outbreak of the conflict in October 2023 to 56,531, with 133,642 others injured. ■