Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
At a high-stakes United Nations summit on the two-state solution, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly delivered an uncompromising message: there will be no regional stability in the Middle East without a sovereign Palestinian state. Addressing a room filled with global leaders, Madbouly stressed that Israel’s security cannot be achieved through force or unilateral actions that disregard the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.
“There will be no peace or security in the region without recognizing the Palestinian people’s right to an independent state,” Madbouly declared from the UN podium in New York.
His remarks came at a time of heightened international tension and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, which has endured nearly two years of Israeli bombardment, blockade, and widespread devastation. Egypt, long a central mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, is now taking an increasingly assertive diplomatic role, warning of the consequences of continued inaction and military escalation.
Condemnation of Israeli Actions and Calls for Ceasefire
Madbouly did not mince words in his criticism of Israeli policies in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, accusing Tel Aviv of pursuing a campaign that Egypt and other nations now openly describe as “genocide.” He also condemned parallel regional hostilities, including what he referred to as aggression against Qatar, warning that such actions only deepen instability in the region.
“A ceasefire in the Gaza Strip is a must,” he urged, adding that the ongoing violence and displacement were not only morally unacceptable but risked fueling further extremism and long-term insecurity.
He reiterated Egypt’s categorical rejection of any attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians, whether internally or across borders, a firm response to recent speculation about potential refugee movements into Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, which Cairo views as a red line.
“We will work to ensure the survival of the Palestinian people on their land and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip,” Madbouly affirmed.
Egypt to Host International Gaza Reconstruction Conference
In a major announcement, Madbouly revealed that Egypt will host an international conference to rebuild Gaza, immediately following the implementation of a ceasefire. The goal of the conference will be to mobilize global funding for a comprehensive Arab-Islamic reconstruction plan.
“As soon as a ceasefire is reached, Egypt will host an international conference to rebuild the devastated Gaza Strip and to rally the necessary financial support,” he said.
The proposed reconstruction framework will focus on:
- Rebuilding homes and infrastructure
- Restoring power and water networks
- Reconstructing hospitals, schools, and public institutions
- Reviving Gaza’s economy through long-term development initiatives
While no formal date has been set, diplomatic sources indicate that preliminary coordination is already underway with international organizations, Gulf donors, and multilateral financial institutions.
Rising Diplomatic Momentum at the UN
The Egyptian Prime Minister’s address came as the international community signals growing impatience with the status quo. At the same summit, France, Portugal, and Monaco officially recognized the State of Palestine, joining over 150 UN member states that have now done so. Others, including Luxembourg, Malta, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Liechtenstein, are reportedly preparing to follow suit.
Earlier this month, the UN General Assembly adopted the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. The resolution passed with overwhelming support 142 votes in favor, 10 against (including Israel and the United States), and 12 abstentions. It calls for “tangible, time-bound, and irreversible steps” to end the war in Gaza and to establish a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Cairo’s Strategic Stakes
Egypt’s sharpened position reflects both regional leadership ambitions and domestic security concerns. The protracted war in Gaza has placed enormous strain on Egypt’s economy, security apparatus, and border stability, particularly near the Rafah crossing, which has become a focal point for humanitarian aid and diplomatic negotiations.
With its unique geography and political ties to both Israeli and Palestinian leaders, Cairo has long positioned itself as a key intermediary. But Madbouly’s latest remarks mark a significant escalation in tone, signaling Cairo’s growing frustration with what it sees as international inertia and Israeli intransigence.
A Defining Test for the Global Order
Madbouly closed his address with a powerful appeal to the conscience of the international community.
“This is not just a regional issue. It is a moral and political test for the international community.”
With civilian casualties mounting and the humanitarian situation in Gaza becoming untenable, the urgency for a durable political solution is palpable. Madbouly’s speech captured the prevailing mood in New York one of rising impatience, mounting outrage, and a sense that time is running out for a just resolution.
As Egypt prepares to lead global efforts in the post-war reconstruction of Gaza, its leaders are making it clear: rebuilding must be accompanied by real progress toward statehood. Anything less would be, in their view, a betrayal of justice and a guarantee of continued conflict.
