Egyptian President Sisi calls on Palestinians to 'remain on their land'

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has called on Palestinians in Gaza to "remain on their land" and not flee southwards into northern Sinai.

There have been repeated calls for Egypt to allow the passage of Palestinians from the besieged enclave in the wake of the Israeli bombardment.

However, speaking at a military ceremony on Thursday, Sisi said while his government maintained a "firm position" of ensuring Palestinians' "legitimate rights", the residents of Gaza must "stay steadfast and remain on their land".

He added that Egypt was already hosting "nine million guests, as I call them, from many countries who came to Egypt for security and safety".

However, he said the influx of people from Gaza would be "different" because it would mean "the elimination of the [Palestinian] cause".