Egypt Daily News – Mohamed Aboud, a professor of Israeli studies at Ain Shams University in Egypt, said that Israel has ambitions in the Middle East, and that Egypt is the only deterrent to them.
Aboud revealed that Israel’s ambitions involve fragmenting the Gaza Strip by controlling its northern borders, separating the north from the south through the Nitzarim axis that cuts through the middle of the Gaza Strip, and controlling the Salah al-Din axis on the Egyptian border with the strip.
He added that the Egyptian stance is the only deterrent for Israel regarding the Salah al-Din (Philadelphi corridor) axis adjacent to the Gaza Strip.
Aboud confirmed that Cairo adheres to the signed political agreements that define the forms of presence along the Salah al-Din axis (Philadelphi corridor) , as well as the amended security appendices following the Israeli withdrawal from the sector in 2005.
He pointed out that Cairo rejects any unilateral Israeli amendments to these agreements, adding: “We must note that the deep state in Israel, the security agencies, and the leaders of the military establishment take into account the Egyptian state and its human, political, and military capabilities.”
He continued, saying: “Israelis know that dragging Egypt into a conflict with Israel is a nightmare that even the most extreme elements in Israeli society do not wish for.
Therefore, anyone closely following the political scene in Israel has witnessed the extent of the attack on Netanyahu following his insistence on staying in the Salah al-Din axis (Philadelphi corridor), and the accusations against him that he threatens Israel’s security and that the Saladin axis is Netanyahu’s pretext to obstruct the ceasefire, sabotage the prisoner exchange deal, and prolong the war.
Regarding the Egyptian stance on the Palestinian crisis, Aboud said: “Since the beginning of the crisis, the Egyptian position has been characterized by great clarity.” On the political level: The Egyptian leadership affirmed its adherence to the three no’s: No to displacement, no to the partial or complete occupation of the sector, no to the liquidation of the Palestinian cause.
He added: “Days and nights have proven the principled stance of Egypt and its steadfastness in supporting the Palestinian citizen. On the humanitarian level, Cairo has worked to provide continuous support to the Palestinian brothers, expose Israeli crimes against the Palestinians, and tirelessly work within all diplomatic frameworks to stop the aggression on the Gaza Strip and preserve the rights of the Palestinian people.
He explained: “Not to mention, of course, the Egyptian efforts made within the framework of mediation for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas, and the Egyptian communications with all parties since the first day to urge restraint, responsible behavior, non-escalation, rational thinking, and to spare the region from serious repercussions.”
Aboud emphasized that the notable positive aspect in this critical phase is the alignment between the popular and official stances from the very first moment, especially since Egypt’s position, as expressed by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, genuinely reflects the will of the Egyptian people and their desire to stop the aggression against the Palestinians, support their brothers, and move towards a two-state solution.
