Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
As the Gaza conflict escalates and humanitarian conditions deteriorate rapidly, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has taken a central role in regional and international diplomatic efforts to bring about peace, relief, and a just resolution to the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
On Thursday, President El-Sisi held a crucial phone conversation with United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer, underscoring Egypt’s leadership in promoting a political solution and humanitarian relief in Gaza. The two leaders discussed the strong bilateral ties between Egypt and the UK, agreeing to deepen cooperation across economic, commercial, tourism, and educational sectors. Beyond these areas, however, the conversation focused heavily on urgent regional developments.
President El-Sisi welcomed the UK’s recent declaration of intent to recognize the state of Palestine, calling it a significant and positive step toward restoring the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. He reaffirmed Egypt’s longstanding position that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, is the only viable path to lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.
President El-Sisi also provided a detailed overview of Egypt’s ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Egypt has emerged as a key mediator, working tirelessly to achieve a truce, facilitate the delivery of critical humanitarian aid, and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The Egyptian president emphasized the urgent need for the reconstruction of Gaza to begin as soon as possible, highlighting Cairo’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian people during this humanitarian emergency.
Importantly, President El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s firm stance against any forced displacement of Palestinians, stressing that the right of Palestinians to remain on their lands is non-negotiable. This position reflects Egypt’s broader commitment to upholding justice and human rights in the region.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with casualties rising daily due to military operations and severe shortages of food and medical supplies. International organizations warn of a looming famine, and tens of thousands suffer from hunger and malnutrition.
Against this backdrop, President El-Sisi’s diplomatic engagement complements parallel efforts by the United States and other international actors. On the same day as El-Sisi’s call with Starmer, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to revive ceasefire talks, while Washington imposed sanctions on Palestinian Authority officials in a move that diverges from the approaches of European allies.
President El-Sisi’s proactive diplomacy highlights Egypt’s role as a stabilizing force in a region fraught with tension and conflict. His commitment to a just resolution based on international law and the two-state solution signals hope for progress amid escalating violence.
As the world watches, Egypt under President El-Sisi is positioned at the heart of efforts to transform a devastating conflict into a sustainable peace, ensuring dignity, security, and self-determination for the Palestinian people.
