True peace in Middle East requires a Palestinian state: El-Sisi
4 Min Read
Egypt’s El-Sisi says lasting peace in West Asia hinges on a just solution and the creation of an independent Palestinian state based on international legitimacy.
-
President of Egypt Abdel Fattah al-Sisi attends the 34th Arab League summit, in Baghdad, Iraq, Saturday, May 17, 2025 (AP)
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi reaffirmed on Monday that “real peace in the Middle East will not be achieved without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on international legitimacy and restoring rights to their rightful owners.”
Speaking on the 52nd anniversary of the 1973 War, el-Sisi emphasized that “peace imposed by force only breeds resentment, while peace built on justice produces genuine normalization and lasting coexistence among peoples.”
He added that “a ceasefire, the return of prisoners and detainees, the reconstruction of Gaza, and the launch of a political process leading to the establishment and recognition of a Palestinian state” constitute the only path toward enduring peace and stability. “Reconciliation, not confrontation, is the only way to build a secure future for our children,” he said.
The Egyptian president noted that commemorating the October victory “is not merely a celebration but an occasion to draw lessons,” stressing that “the October epic demonstrated that victory is not granted but seized, through careful planning, dedicated work, institutional coordination, and confidence in triumph.”
el-Sisi reaffirmed that Egypt draws its determination from the memory of the October War to continue building “a new, modern Egypt worthy of its stature and history.” He also warned that “regional conditions no longer allow complacency, and current circumstances demand that everyone rise to the level of responsibility.”
Egypt supports temporary international force
In related remarks, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelaty stated that Egypt “does not oppose the deployment of an international force in Gaza,” but “supports its establishment through a UN Security Council resolution and for a limited period.”
He explained that the mission of such a force would be “to support the Palestinian police and reinforce unity between the West Bank and Gaza,” emphasizing that Egypt’s participation “depends on an effective role for the United States.” He added that “security arrangements must be managed by the Palestinians themselves.”
Abdelaty’s comments came ahead of a new round of talks set to begin Monday in Sharm el-Sheikh regarding the implementation of the first phase of Trump’s plan between “Israel” and the Hamas movement under the supervision of mediators.
He confirmed that the initial phase includes the release of prisoners and the exchange of bodies from both sides, while the technical negotiations hosted by Cairo aim to create a suitable environment for the plan’s implementation.
Trump 'guarantee for enforcing ceasefire'
The Egyptian minister said the main guarantee for enforcing Trump’s ceasefire plan in Gaza “is President Trump himself,” noting that the US leader had “committed to ensuring security, stability, and peace in the Middle East.” He said Washington “is the only party capable of compelling ‘Israel’ to implement the plan.”
Regarding Hamas’ response, Abdelaty stated that Egypt views it “positively,” describing it as “reflecting the Palestinian factions’ sense of responsibility.” He said the plan includes key elements, notably “ending the war and rejecting annexation and displacement.”
On the issue of Hamas’ weapons, Abdelaty clarified that it is “a purely Palestinian matter that will be addressed internally,” predicting that the Palestinian police and authority would assume control of Gaza after the transitional phase.
He concluded by reiterating that “a final settlement to the Palestinian issue can only come through the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state embodying the people’s aspirations and right to self-determination.”
