Dr. Eriny Saied
Egyptian academic and political analyst
It is a fact that it’s difficult to read or interpret the ongoing developments in isolation from Cairo’s vision, particularly the historic peace achieved in Sharm el-Sheikh, which stands as a significant accomplishment born of Egypt’s sincere efforts, alongside those of its Arab brothers.
Egypt’s steadfast commitment has guided international actors in peace-making, teaching them how to provide relief and rescue to defenseless populations. More than twenty leaders from different countries around the world participated in this peace summit, unified by a shared goal: to end the ongoing war, establish peace, and usher in a new era of stability.
Over the past two years, Cairo has managed the situation both politically and diplomatically to end this catastrophic war and rescue Gaza’s population. Egypt has continued to play a pivotal and leading role, as affirmed in the Sharm El-Sheikh Agreement.
There are several key points that can be highlighted regarding Egypt’s stance toward the Sharm el-Sheikh negotiations.
First of all, Egypt has taken a firm position on hosting and securing Hamas leaders after they were targeted in Qatar, especially following Prime Minister Netanyahu’s declaration that “Hamas will be disarmed.”
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has adopted many strategic approaches, skillfully managing all challenges and the differing convictions of the main parties, whether Hamas or Israel. Through his balanced diplomacy and steady leadership, he achieved a crucial political breakthrough that no other Arab or regional power could have accomplished.
President Sisi’s close cooperation with U.S. President Donald Trump was instrumental in advancing these negotiations, leading to comprehensive peace, an end to the war, and the facilitation of humanitarian aid delivery.
The Peace Summit, launched from the “Capital of Peace,” Sharm el-Sheikh, continues Egypt’s legacy of hosting peace efforts between Israelis and Palestinians, as it did in 2000 and 2005.
Following two years of suffering, Gaza has now entered a new phase of stability and reconstruction, a process Egypt is set to supervise. According to President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, “This agreement does not only close the chapter of war; it also opens the door of hope for the peoples of the region for a future defined by justice and stability.”
As we prepare to turn this catastrophic page, it is crucial to focus on and review Egypt’s vital efforts.
Since the outbreak of the Gaza War in October 2023, Egypt has adhered to three firm principles: an immediate ceasefire, the entry of humanitarian aid, and the right of Palestinians to self-determination. Most regional and Arab conferences held since the beginning of the war have centered on these principles in their results and recommendations.
The Egyptian state has always been the pivotal supporter of the Palestinian cause. It continues to believe in the two-state solution, an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital along the June 1967 borders. Since 1948, Egypt has consistently worked to internationalize the Palestinian issue, while firmly rejecting any forced displacement of Gaza’s population, even when such moves affected U.S. policy decisions under Trump’s administration.
The Rafah crossing presents a particular challenge. Some have spread misconceptions, claiming that the border was closed; however, Egypt has remained committed to keeping it open. It has succeeded in facilitating the entry of more than 80 percent of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Most of the international conferences held since October 2023, many of which were sponsored by Cairo have reaffirmed these achievements.
Eventually, it is essential to acknowledge Egypt’s pivotal role. While Egypt continues to serve the Palestinian cause with sincerity and dedication, there are still those who attempt to undermine its efforts and its central role in achieving peace and stability in the region.
