Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
In a high-level phone call held on Thursday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aaty firmly rejected any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza, warning that such actions would dangerously destabilize the region and undermine any prospects for peace.
The call, held with U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, was part of ongoing consultations between Cairo and Washington aimed at de-escalating tensions in the region, with particular focus on developments in Gaza and the Iranian nuclear file.
During the conversation, Abdel Aaty stressed the urgent need to halt Israel’s ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip, citing the catastrophic humanitarian consequences for the enclave’s civilian population. He warned that continued violence is exacerbating an already dire situation and pushing the region closer to further instability.
Central to the Egyptian minister’s message was an unequivocal rejection of any Israeli plans involving the forced displacement of Palestinians. “Egypt categorically rejects all forms of forced displacement, under any pretext or name,” Abdel Aaty said. “Such measures are fundamentally unacceptable, have no justification, and represent a direct threat to regional security and the future of the Palestinian cause.”
He further emphasized that forced relocation would not only violate international law but also risk eliminating the possibility of a two-state solution, effectively dismantling the foundation of decades of diplomatic efforts. “The only path forward is for Palestinians to remain on their land,” he stated, reinforcing Egypt’s long-standing policy of supporting Palestinian self-determination within their territories.
The conversation also touched on the critical need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need and to create space for diplomatic solutions. Abdel Aaty underscored Egypt’s concern over the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation and reiterated Cairo’s commitment to facilitating aid and supporting mediation efforts.
On the broader regional front, the two diplomats discussed strategies to reduce tensions across the Middle East, including the evolving Iranian nuclear dossier. The dialogue followed a recent breakthrough agreement signed in Cairo on September 9 between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), marking the first step toward resuming technical cooperation after Israel’s recent attack on Iranian facilities.
Abdel Aaty informed the U.S. envoy of Egypt’s recent diplomatic engagements with Tehran, highlighting efforts to delay the reactivation of UN sanctions against Iran and to revive stalled negotiations between Iran and the United States. Egypt, he said, continues to play an active role in promoting dialogue and avoiding a dangerous escalation in an already volatile region.
As conflict continues to flare and diplomatic efforts face new challenges, Egypt’s firm stance on Palestinian rights and its broader push for de-escalation underscore its enduring role as a key regional mediator.
