Speaking to the Middle East News Agency (MENA), Hegazy highlighted the current regional escalation and the challenges facing the Middle East amid the Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.

He remarked that the summit coincides with the first anniversary of the previous one, also held in Riyadh in November 2023. This continuity, he noted, underscores the commitment to Arab and Islamic unity.

Hegazy noted that the solidarity within the Arab-Islamic world sends a clear message to regional and international parties that Arab and Islamic people bear the primary responsibility for managing their affairs.

This comes particularly against a backdrop of global instability, including conflicts within the region and the three-year-old Russia-Ukraine war, which has exacerbated global polarization and carries significant economic and political ramifications, he added.

Amid these challenges, Egypt has maintained a steadfast stance despite tensions surrounding it, Hegazy emphasized, noting the ongoing Sudanese conflict on its southern border, the Libyan crisis to the west, and unrest in the Red Sea region in the east.

Arab-Islamic unity
 

He further highlighted that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza requires unified Arab and Islamic support, spanning political, diplomatic, and economic backing.

Additionally, Hegazy stressed the need for an Arab-Islamic alliance in light of Israel’s actions that violate international humanitarian law, with war crimes committed by Israel.

The Egyptian ambassador underscored that Arab and Islamic unity is vital for advancing humanitarian and relief efforts in Gaza, beginning with a ceasefire, a truce, a prisoner exchange, and then establishing a unified Palestinian Authority.

He argued that such steps would be the foundation for broader reconstruction efforts and a political solution aiming at a two-state solution.

He added that Lebanon also requires a political solution, which entails implementing the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 and adopting a political path that leads to the election of a Lebanese president.

Hegazy pointed to Egypt and Saudi Arabia’s ongoing communication with the US to apply pressure on Israel, asserting that Netanyahu’s policies have escalated violence and exacerbated suffering.

Regional framework
 

Ambassador Hegazy called for a regional security and cooperation framework facilitated by Egypt in partnership with Saudi Arabia and Turkey. This framework could initiate a "Declaration of Principles" adopted by the region’s countries, including Iran.

This document would outline mutual commitments, including non-interference in internal affairs and adherence to the two-state solution.

Hegazy suggested inviting influential countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and potentially India to join this framework.

He added this would encourage regional cooperation, respect for international law, and shared economic, political, and investment goals, laying the groundwork for a stable and prosperous Middle East.

The Riyadh summit, held on Monday, featured the participation of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, along with several Arab and Muslim leaders, where they addressed the brutal Israeli aggression on Gaza and Lebanon.