Egypt FM says Sharm el-Sheikh talks aim for full Israeli withdrawal
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Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said the Sharm el-Sheikh negotiations aim to secure a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, a lasting ceasefire, and the unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid under a "two-state" framework.
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Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty speaks to reporters with his Greek counterpart George Gerapetritis after their meeting in Athens, Greece, Wednesday, August 6, 2025. (AP)
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty announced on Tuesday that Cairo is making significant progress toward ending the war on the Gaza Strip, revealing that "the Sharm el-Sheikh negotiations are discussing the establishment of a security mechanism to ensure the complete Israeli withdrawal from the Strip."
The Egyptian minister said the ongoing talks reflect Cairo's determination to secure a lasting ceasefire and prevent the recurrence of Israeli military operations in Gaza, stressing that any agreement must be anchored in international law and Palestinian sovereignty.
Key points under discussion
Speaking at a press conference in Cairo alongside Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon, Abdelatty explained that the negotiations are also addressing the full and unconditional entry of humanitarian aid through UN channels, and the creation of a "just peace process" grounded in the "two-state" solution and full political unity between the West Bank and Gaza.
He clarified that the first phase of the indirect talks between the Palestinian Resistance and the Israeli occupation includes the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners detained by the occupation. Abdelatty reiterated that Egypt views the empowerment of the Palestinian Authority within an independent state framework as essential to restoring stability.
Abdelatty also confirmed that Cairo is preparing an international conference for Gaza's reconstruction, in coordination with European and Arab partners, and welcomed US President Donald Trump's Gaza proposal, describing it as "a possible starting point" for negotiations, though Egypt continues to warn against any arrangement that legitimizes occupation or displacement.
Sharm el-Sheikh talks: Mediated negotiations continue
The ongoing indirect negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh, mediated by Egypt, the United States, and Qatar, began on Monday, coinciding with the second anniversary of the war on Gaza. According to Egyptian diplomatic sources cited by Al Mayadeen and international outlets, the talks are centered on a US-backed framework involving a ceasefire, a phased Israeli withdrawal, and a reciprocal exchange of captives and prisoners.
US President Trump claimed that "Israel" had agreed to an initial withdrawal line inside Gaza as part of the ceasefire arrangement. The Palestinian side, led by Hamas, responded positively to the principle of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange but insisted that "issues concerning the future of Gaza and the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people" must be addressed collectively and in line with international resolutions.
Egyptian and Palestinian negotiators emphasized that binding guarantees are indispensable, citing "Israel's" repeated violations of prior agreements. As Reuters reported, the talks face obstacles, particularly regarding security oversight and post-war governance of Gaza.
Read more: Egypt begins training Palestinian security forces for Gaza
Regional and European support for political solution
Fajon, echoing Cairo's stance, described the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as "catastrophic," noting that "Gaza has been completely destroyed." She called for "urgent steps to end the war," affirming Slovenia's support for Trump's proposal and backing Egypt's diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting peace based on Palestinian self-determination.
Fajon further reaffirmed Slovenia's rejection of any Israeli annexation in the West Bank, stressing that "the Palestinian people have the full right to build their independent state."
Minister @tfajon met in #Cairo with her Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty to discuss relations between 🇸🇮🤝🇪🇬 and efforts to find a solution for the #MiddleEast.
— MFEA Slovenia (@MZEZ_RS) October 7, 2025
The meeting took place on the day marking two years since the terrorist attack by #Hamas in southern #Israel, which… pic.twitter.com/OkW9HSLJYu
The latest developments follow remarks by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who reiterated on Monday that "real peace in the Middle East will not be achieved without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state." He warned that "peace imposed by force only breeds resentment, while peace built on justice produces genuine coexistence."
El-Sisi said Egypt remains committed to achieving a ceasefire, rebuilding Gaza, and launching a credible political process that ends decades of occupation. He also emphasized that regional stability depends on reconciliation, not confrontation, underscoring Egypt's leadership role in regional diplomacy.
