Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
In a carefully worded yet assertive statement, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aaty has reaffirmed Egypt’s strategic commitment to peace with Israel, while making it clear that the country remains fully capable of defending its national security and borders amidst growing regional tensions.
Abdel Aaty described peace as a “strategic choice” for Egypt, referencing the longstanding 1979 Camp David Accords that normalized relations between Cairo and Tel Aviv. However, he also issued a pointed reminder: “Egypt is committed to the peace treaty with Israel, but we are fully capable of defending our security and our borders.”
The minister’s remarks come at a time of escalating instability in the region, fueled by ongoing conflict in Gaza, rising tensions along Israel’s northern border, and broader fears of a regional spillover involving multiple state and non-state actors. While reiterating Egypt’s role as a stabilizing force, Abdel Aaty also took aim at what he described as dangerous violations of international law.
Pressing for Palestinian Statehood and UN Reform
A key theme in Abdel Aaty’s statements was Egypt’s continued support for Palestinian statehood. He reaffirmed Cairo’s commitment to pushing for full membership for Palestine at the United Nations, describing the current status quo as untenable.
“Egypt will continue to exert pressure for Palestine to gain full UN membership,” he said, adding that the repeated failure of the international community to enforce its own resolutions has weakened the credibility of the United Nations itself. “Reforming the UN is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity,” he warned.
Egypt has long advocated for a two-state solution and has positioned itself as a mediator between Palestinian factions as well as between the Palestinian Authority and Israel. In recent months, Cairo has intensified its diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation in Gaza and facilitate humanitarian aid, even as ceasefire negotiations remain stalled.
Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Israeli Violations
Abdel Aaty also touched on the issue of nuclear non-proliferation, reiterating Egypt’s longstanding support for a Middle East free of nuclear weapons. He warned of the growing risks posed by Israel’s presumed nuclear arsenal and broader regional militarization.
“We remain committed to the goal of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation,” he stated. “But the ongoing Israeli violations of international and humanitarian law are deeply concerning.”
Without naming specific incidents, the minister condemned the continuing cycle of violence, describing the rising level of military escalation as a path to “nothing but ruin.” His words echoed growing concerns across the Arab world that the region is edging closer to a broader conflict with potentially devastating consequences.
Balancing Diplomacy with Deterrence
Abdel Aaty’s message appears to strike a careful balance between diplomacy and deterrence. On one hand, Egypt remains deeply invested in maintaining regional peace and upholding its treaty obligations. On the other, it is increasingly signaling that its patience is not unlimited, especially in the face of continued instability, humanitarian crises, and what many in the region see as unchecked Israeli military actions.
The statement reflects Egypt’s broader strategic posture: positioning itself as a responsible regional actor committed to peace and international norms, while reserving the right to defend its sovereignty and interests when necessary.
As one of the few Arab countries with formal diplomatic relations with Israel and a long history of mediating regional conflicts, Egypt’s voice carries significant weight. Abdel Aaty’s comments send a dual message, to international partners and regional actors alike, that Egypt remains a pillar of stability, but it will not stand idle in the face of mounting threats.
