El-Sisi warns of conflict escalation, urges global push for stability

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
9 Jan 2025 18:42

Touching on Egypt's heavy burden in hosting over 9 million foreigners displaced by wars in the Middle East, El-Sisi called on the EU to strengthen its support for Cairo's efforts to maintain regional stability.

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Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi speaks at BRICS Summit extended format session in Kazan, Russia, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. (Alexander Nemenov, Pool Photo via AP)

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has issued on Thursday a stern warning regarding the "continuation or escalation of conflict in the region," cautioning that it could evolve into a full-scale war.

Speaking during a phone call on Thursday with European Council President António Costa, El-Sisi stressed the urgent need for international efforts, including from the European Union, to broker an agreement that ends the war on Gaza, enforces a ceasefire in Lebanon, and paves the way for regional stability.

The Egyptian leader stated that Egypt "categorically rejects any attempts to liquidate the Palestinian cause or forcibly displace Palestinians." He reiterated Egypt's steadfast stance in support of Palestinian rights and warned against actions that could exacerbate tensions in the region.

Presidential spokesperson Mohamed El-Shennawy noted that El-Sisi also discussed Egypt's position on Syria, stressing the importance of preserving Syria's territorial integrity, ensuring the safety of its people, and initiating an inclusive political process that represents all segments of Syrian society.

Touching on Egypt's heavy burden in hosting over 9 million foreigners displaced by wars in the Middle East, El-Sisi called on the EU to strengthen its support for Cairo's efforts to maintain regional stability. He reaffirmed the critical role of collaboration to address the consequences of crises in the region.

European Council President António Costa praised Egypt's pivotal role as a stabilizing force in the Middle East, describing El-Sisi as "a cornerstone of regional stability." Costa reaffirmed the EU's commitment to intensifying consultations with Egypt and supporting its efforts to maintain peace and stability during this sensitive period.

Cairo Opposes

Since the start of the war on Gaza, Egypt has taken on an active role in mediating a potential prisoner exchange deal between Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas and "Israel" to bring the conflict to an end and secure the release of the remaining captives.

However, following the assassination of key Palestinian Resistance figures and "Israel's" refusal to compromise on certain terms, efforts to mediate an exchange deal have encountered significant obstacles.

Recent negotiations have seen "Israel" express a desire to establish a military presence along the Philadelphi Corridor—a 14-kilometer buffer zone on the Gaza-Egypt border—citing concerns over alleged arms smuggling into Gaza.

Egypt has firmly rejected this proposal, stressing its commitment to maintaining sovereignty and stability in the region.

Last month, during a meeting with UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reiterated Egypt's stance, stating that the country "rejects the Israeli military presence on the Palestinian side of the Rafah Crossing and the Philadelphi Corridor, and the obstruction of humanitarian aid."