Ceasefire consolidation and state preservation at the heart of Egypt’s policy
Regional diplomacy aims to contain crises while keeping solutions alive
In a region grappling with complex and intensifying crises, Egypt has firmly established itself as an indispensable linchpin for stability, leveraging its diplomatic weight and strategic location to promote de-escalation in both the Gaza Strip and Sudan.
Recent high-level engagements, including calls between President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and French President Emmanuel Macron, and with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, alongside consultations by Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aati with UN Secretary-General António Guterres underscore Cairo’s proactive and consistent approach to regional challenges.
These efforts reveal a comprehensive strategy rooted in political pragmatism, humanitarian urgency, and an unwavering commitment to Arab solidarity.
Gaza crisis
Egypt’s pivotal role in achieving and consolidating the recent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip has been globally acknowledged, notably by President Macron, who lauded Cairo’s efforts.
The diplomatic focus has now shifted to solidifying this fragile truce and expediting the transition towards a sustainable political resolution.
Diplomacy and political context
Egypt’s core political objectives, as articulated in these discussions, are clear. President Sisi stressed the necessity of fully implementing the ceasefire agreement and moving towards the second phase of the agreed-upon peace framework, which he and King Hamad affirmed is anchored in the full implementation of what they described as President Trump’s Peace Plan, as endorsed by United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 2803.
This resolution provides a framework for achieving a just and comprehensive peace. Crucially, the end-goal remains the launch of a comprehensive political process culminating in the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 4 June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, a point of agreement stressed during the Sisi-Macron call.
Cairo is actively engaged in shaping Gaza’s post-conflict governance and security architecture. Foreign Minister Abdel-Aati highlighted ongoing consultations regarding the potential deployment of an international stabilisation force and emphasised the urgency of forming a Palestinian technocratic committee as a crucial step towards the return of the Palestinian Authority to the Strip.
This approach reflects Egypt’s view that long-term stability requires a unified, legitimate Palestinian administration.
Furthermore, Egypt has maintained a firm stance against practices that risk reigniting the conflict.
President Sisi reiterated Egypt’s firm rejection of Israeli violations in the West Bank, warning of the escalating settler violence and continued land confiscation policies which risk broadening tensions.
Cairo has stressed the urgent responsibility of the international community to intervene decisively to halt these violations and prevent further deterioration on the ground.
A categorical rejection of any attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their land or alter Gaza’s demographic or geographic reality was also reaffirmed as a non-negotiable principle.
Humanitarian imperative
Egypt’s diplomatic efforts are inextricably linked to a humanitarian imperative. The sustained flow of aid and the commencement of reconstruction are viewed as essential components of stabilising the situation.
In his calls with President Macron and King Hamad, President Sisi stressed the immediate need to expedite the delivery of humanitarian aid and immediately commence the early recovery and reconstruction phase in Gaza to restore normal life for its inhabitants.
Minister Abdel-Aati underscored the necessity of guaranteeing the unfettered delivery of humanitarian aid and intensifying joint international efforts to increase the volume of aid to meet the urgent daily needs of Palestinians.
Furthermore, Egypt welcomed the renewal of the mandate for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), recognising its indispensable role in providing essential services and humanitarian aid under exceptional circumstances, which reflects the international community’s confidence in the agency’s vital mission.
Stability in Sudan
Simultaneously, Egypt has been unwavering in its commitment to its southern neighbour, Sudan, amidst the internal conflict. This is a matter of profound national and regional security for Cairo.
In his discussions with President Macron, President Sisi stressed Egypt’s full support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Sudan. He reiterated Egypt’s rejection of any attempts to threaten its security and expressed full support for international and regional efforts aimed at ending the war and restoring peace and stability in the African nation.
This position is a cornerstone of Egypt’s foreign policy, viewing a stable and unified Sudan as vital to the security architecture of the Nile Valley and the broader region.
Arab solidarity
Egypt’s proactive stance across both theatres carries significant regional implications. By coordinating closely with Arab partners, such as the Kingdom of Bahrain, Cairo works to reinforce Arab unity and maintain the Palestinian cause as a top priority on both Arab and international agendas.
The agreement between President Sisi and King Hamad to maintain continuous communication reflects a joint commitment to navigating the complex challenges facing the region and advancing the welfare of their peoples.
Egypt’s sustained diplomatic effort is a sophisticated, multi-track strategy designed to de-escalate two of the most critical threats to Middle Eastern stability.
By simultaneously consolidating the ceasefire in Gaza, pushing for a political horizon and humanitarian access, and staunchly defending the unity and sovereignty of Sudan, Egypt is not merely reacting to crises but proactively working to define a path towards peace and stability.
For the international community, Egypt’s sustained efforts offer a crucial and reliable channel for both diplomatic engagement and humanitarian action, underscoring its enduring role as the region’s essential bridge-builder.
Mohamed Fahmy
is the editor-in-chief
of The Egyptian Gazette and
Egyptian Mail newspapers
[email protected]
