Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi stated on Tuesday that his country harbors no hidden agendas regarding the Palestinian issue, amidst a stalemate in peace negotiations for Gaza.
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During a meeting with the Cabinet and political and military officials, El-Sisi emphasized that the Palestinian issue remains central to the Middle East and that its unresolved status is the root cause of regional instability, according to a statement from the Egyptian Presidency. Egypt acts as a key mediator—alongside the U.S., Qatar, and Turkey—in the Gaza Strip conflict.
The Egyptian leader affirmed that the two-state solution, which calls for the creation of an independent Palestinian state, represents the only path to achieving lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. Currently, 153 countries recognize the State of Palestine, representing more than 80% of UN members.
El-Sisi noted that Egypt’s strategic choice is peace—a path charted by the late president and wise leader Mohamed Anwar Sadat—referring to the peace treaty signed with Israel in 1979.
Context and Peace Talks
On September 24, the High Representative for the Gaza peace process, Nikolai Mladenov, warned that progress on reconstructing the Gaza Strip would be futile without recognition of the Palestinian state, as it would amount to nothing more than a more comfortable form of confinement. This statement came amidst a deadlock in peace talks.
Nevertheless, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi continues to engage in intensive diplomatic efforts to contain the escalating violence between the Palestinian and Israeli sides. While issuing warnings about the dire dangers of further confrontation, Cairo called for the exercise of maximum restraint and urged that civilians not be exposed to increased risks, warning of serious repercussions from the escalating violence, which would negatively impact future truce efforts.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Egypt warned of the grave dangers posed by the current escalation between the Palestinian and Israeli sides following a series of attacks on Palestinian cities. The official statement called on international actors supporting efforts to resume the peace process to intervene immediately to halt the ongoing escalation.
Cairo urged Israel to cease attacks and provocative actions against the Palestinian people and to adhere to the norms of international humanitarian law regarding the responsibilities of an occupying power.
Regional and local committees are currently working to halt the escalation and violence and to exercise the utmost restraint, aiming to contain the situation and prevent further loss of life. The official spokesperson added that the President had indicated that Egypt has engaged in extensive contacts with the Israeli and Palestinian sides, as well as with international and regional actors.
El-Sisi warned of the danger that the situation could deteriorate and spiral into greater violence and worsening humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip, potentially plunging the region into a vicious cycle of tension that threatens regional stability and security.
Author: HGV/JF
Source: Al Jaseera English
