“The region will become a ticking time bomb that impacts us all” warns Egypt’s President in the midst of soaring tension between Israel and Hamas

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said that the conflict zone in the Middle East risked becoming a ‘ticking time bomb’, issuing a warning against any ‘expansion of conflict’ in Gaza, on Saturday.

"Regardless of where it comes from, I have warned of the expansion of the conflict. The region will become a ticking time bomb that impacts us all," said Sisi, speaking at a press conference.

Israel confirmed on Friday that it was the target of the drone attacks, which it blamed on Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi militia. The drones that injured six people when they crashed into the Egyptian towns of Taba and Nuweiba close to the Israeli border were claimed to have come from the southern Red Sea, according to Egypt's military. It remained unclear who fired the drones. Speaking on the issue, Sisi said, "Egypt is a sovereign country and its sovereignty and position should be respected ... Egypt is a strong country and it is untouchable."

During a peace summit last Saturday, Sisi called for the release of hostages and an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. He further appealed for aid to be allowed into Gaza.