The 25th of April remains etched in gold in Egyptian history. On this day, Sinai was liberated from Israeli occupation, crowning a long journey of resilience and sacrifice.
This day is not merely about the recovery of a national territory. It is rather a symbol of Egyptians’ unyielding will, the bravery of the Egyptian army that gave its all, and the wisdom of Egypt’s leadership that believed justice always prevails.
On the 25th of April each year, Egyptians remember one of the greatest milestones of national pride when Egypt regained full sovereignty over the sacred land of Sinai, after years of occupation, struggle, and resistance.
This was the day the national flag fluttered once more over Sinai’s mountains and plains, cementing in the national consciousness the meaning of victory, not just through arms, but through willpower, intellect, and prudent diplomacy.
The liberation of Sinai was not a fleeting historical event. It marked the peak of a comprehensive national epic that began in June 1967, passed through the War of Attrition that exhausted the enemy, and culminated in the glorious October War of 1973. That victory restored the Egyptian army’s dignity and paved the way for the peace treaty that ultimately led to the complete liberation of Sinai in 1982, except for Taba, which was regained through international arbitration in 1989.
Sinai is more than just a liberated land. It is Egypt’s eastern gateway and one of the world’s most strategic regions, lying at the crossroads of Asia and Africa and overlooking key international waterways.
Throughout history, Sinai has been a cradle of prophets, a battleground of nations, and a witness to bloodshed in defence of its sacred soil.
From the moment of liberation, Egypt placed Sinai at the forefront of its development and security agenda. In recent years, the government has taken unprecedented steps to transform Sinai from a forgotten borderland into a vibrant hub of investment and construction.
In the face of terrorism, which sought refuge in Sinai’s rugged terrain, the armed forces launched one of the largest military operations in modern times, namely the comprehensive “Comprehensive Sinai”, which resulted in the destruction of hundreds of terrorist hideouts, the securing of vital areas, and the revival of villages and cities long plagued by marginalisation and fear.
Beyond its security role, the armed forces have taken on a significant development mission, completing several major national projects in Sinai. These include road networks, massive tunnels under the Suez Canal, modern residential cities, agricultural and industrial complexes, schools, and hospitals.
All these efforts contribute to integrating Sinai into the rest of Egypt and achieving the balanced development this blessed land deserves.
What the state has accomplished in Sinai over the past years is a practical application of a crucial equation: there is no security without development, and no development without security. Thus, the stability we witness today in Sinai and the clear decline in terrorist activity are direct results of this integration between decisive military action and strategic development planning.
On the anniversary of Sinai’s liberation, we can only extend our salute to all those who contributed to this great national achievement–from the soldiers who fought and readily offered their lives, to the diplomats who secured rights through negotiation, to the leaders who believed in the sanctity of the land, and finally, to the Egyptian people who stood by their country in every ordeal and remained united with their armed forces through every stage of the struggle.
The liberation of Sinai was not the end of the road, but its beginning. As we celebrate this anniversary, we are fully aware that the battle of construction is no less important than the battle of liberation, and that the comprehensive development we now witness is the truest tribute to the martyrs’ sacrifices and the most sincere expression of loyalty to the homeland.
Mohamed Fahmy is the editor-in-chief of The Egyptian Gazette and Egyptian Mail newspapers
