The Israeli escalation, which appears to have no ceiling, now threatens to ignite the region and broaden the scope of confrontation after Israel has struck targets deep inside five Arab and regional states. How does Egypt shape its foreign policy in the absence of effective constraints on Israeli behaviour, particularly given Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s insistence on advancing a distorted narrative about the situation in Gaza?
Egypt remains steadfast in its adherence to core principles that have traditionally shaped and guided its foreign policy. They are anchored in a set of values that have formed a longstanding ethos. We have an unwavering commitment to the rules and principles of international law, full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, non-interference in the internal affairs of states, and we aspire to be a force for peace, security, and development.
These guiding principles are embedded deep in our foreign policy doctrine and are in complete alignment with the rules-based order which we must all uphold. The reason why there is instability and turmoil in the region is precisely the result of actors deviating from these core principles and acting in complete defiance of the rules-based order. Israel is undermining international law, the rules-based order, and defying the international order in an unprecedented way.
To what extent do Israel’s actions endanger the Egyptian-Israeli Peace Treaty? And are US policymakers fully aware of the red lines that cannot be crossed in this context, especially concerning attempts to force the Palestinians into displacement through the Rafah Crossing under the pretext that they “wish to leave” Gaza?
We remain committed to the Egyptian-Israeli Peace Treaty, and we continue to uphold our responsibilities in this regard. The treaty represents the foundations of peace and stability in the region and should not be undermined. Egypt started the journey of peace in the Middle East; we were the pioneers, and our vision has consistently been an all-encompassing one where Palestinians and Israelis can live in peace, freedom, and dignity.
However, Israel’s war in Gaza clearly reflects that its outlook on the future of this region is very different from ours and the Arab world. It is sowing the seeds of hatred and animosity, not seeds of peace and coexistence. The horrific crimes it has committed in Gaza will leave a long-lasting mark impacting generations. Its fixation with using the excessive use of force is short-sighted and pushes the region further away from any prospects for peace.
Regarding displacement, we have made our position very clear. We are adamantly against any forms of displacement of the Palestinian people. The notion of displacement itself is morally and ethically corrupt, not to mention outright illegal. The Palestinians should never be forced to leave their homeland. We will not tolerate a second Nakba. And why should they leave? We have put together a comprehensive plan, endorsed by all the Arab countries during the Arab Summit, that outlines detailed plans for early recovery and reconstruction. It was designed in a way to ensure early recovery and reconstruction to take place while the Palestinians remain on their homeland.
The plan has garnered worldwide support. There is absolutely no reason to force the Palestinians to leave their homeland and there is no such thing as “voluntary” displacement in the case of Gaza. This issue constitutes a clear red line for Egypt, the transgression of which would carry serious repercussions for the security and stability of the region. Any such action would represent a clear threat to regional peace and security.
What can we expect from the upcoming meetings of the United Nations General Assembly? Will the Arab Group move collectively to capitalise on the momentum created by the recent recognitions of a Palestinian state by several influential European countries?
We highly welcome the expected announcements of several countries to recognise Palestine during the General Assembly. This is a significant, historic step, and one that reflects the growing global support for the Palestinian cause. This cause will never wither away with time or the passing of generations. The Palestinian cause is alive more than ever, and this global momentum will not stop. It will only strengthen.
These recognitions constitute a pivotal step towards affirming the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, chief among them the right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent and sovereign state along the lines of 4 June 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. We will continue to exert active diplomatic efforts to further expand the scope of the recognition of Palestine. Expect more countries to do so on the way.
How do you assess the prospects for negotiations after the Israeli strikes on Doha and the targeting of Hamas leaders there? Is there a realistic pathway out of this vicious cycle?
We must continue to work diligently to end the war. We underscore the urgent necessity of sustaining intensified efforts to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and to alleviate the profound humanitarian suffering facing the Palestinian people. This responsibility is not Egypt’s alone: it is a collective obligation of the international community and the United Nations Security Council to avert further deterioration in regional peace and security and to contain the escalating conflict. The international community cannot afford to remain complacent or disengaged. Breaking the current cycle of violence and addressing Israel’s continued violations of international law and international humanitarian law are imperative.
Egypt’s successful mediation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) despite the complexity of this has raised hopes for a broader Egyptian role in unifying regional perspectives to de-escalate tensions and to advance a new regional security model capable of constraining reckless actors. Are there conceptual frameworks under discussion in this direction?
Yes, the Arab League recently adopted an important resolution proposing a joint vision for security and cooperation in the region. The resolution was a joint initiative spearheaded by Egypt and Saudi Arabia and is based on a number of core principles that reflect the Arab conceptual framework or model for security and cooperation in the region. It enjoys a collective Arab consensus and is formulated based on a set of principles that including respect for international law, sovereignty and the territorial integrity of states, and refraining from the use of military force outside the framework of international legitimacy.
Through this initiative, we unequivocally reject the imposition of unilateral security arrangements and emphasise the Arab states’ inherent right to formulate governing principles for the region based on the peaceful settlement of disputes and ending occupation as a way for a just and sustainable peace. This resolution is our collective perspective and one that can serve as a foundation for a regional security framework that serves collective interests.
Following the inauguration of the Ethiopian dam and Egypt’s submission of a memorandum to the United Nations, what steps can be taken in the light of Addis Ababa’s continued disregard for coordination in operating and managing the dam?
The act of unilaterally constructing and completing Ethiopia’s dam constitutes a clear violation of international law and the established norms governing the shared use of transboundary watercourses. The completion of the dam does not confer legitimacy upon the project. The dam and its operation continue to be unilateral measures that contravene international law and established norms. The completion of the dam bears no legal effect that could alter the governing framework of the Eastern Nile Basin under international law. It only constitutes yet another addition to the record of Ethiopian violations of international law.
Egypt’s water security is a matter of existential concern. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the application of international law with respect to the River Nile and will not acquiesce in unilateral attempts by Ethiopia to assert control over the management of shared water resources. Egypt continues to assert its inherent right to take all measures provided for under international law and the Charter of the United Nations in order to safeguard the fundamental interests of its people.
The situation in Sudan is becoming more complicated, with growing fears of partition. How is Egypt moving to contain these threats and protect its national security from the southern gateway?
Egypt maintains a firm and consistent stance regarding the situation in Sudan, underscoring the imperative of respecting Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, alongside the preservation of its national institutions. Egypt categorically rejects any efforts aimed at dividing the country and threatening the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sudan. In pursuit of these principles, Egypt actively supports and engages with all initiatives dedicated to securing an immediate ceasefire and addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of the Sudanese people.
Egyptian-US relations appear to be on a sound footing, both in public statements from both sides and in the trajectory of economic cooperation. Yet the US administration seems dismissive of Egypt’s security and political concerns. How do you view the future of the relationship, and what can prevent it from deterioration or regression?
Egypt and the United States have enjoyed a long-standing strategic partnership for over four decades. Our partnership has been anchored in mutual respect and shared interests, encompassing various fields including military, political, security, education, and health. We share common ground in our shared commitment to advancing peace, security, and prosperity in the Middle East. We will continue to work collaboratively to strengthen our partnership for years to come.
Economically, we held a successful Egyptian-American Economic Forum in May 2025 that brought together more than 80 CEOs and high-level representatives of US companies to explore opportunities for investment in Egypt and trade and joint ventures.
Militarily, Egypt and the United States just concluded the Bright Star 2025 exercises, which is one of the largest multinational drills in the region. It highlighted the enduring depth of defence cooperation between Egypt and the United States, strengthening interoperability, cementing mutual trust, and enhancing the ability of both nations, and their international partners, to confront shared security challenges. And, of course, there is consistent political coordination at the highest level with the administration and Congressional members on Gaza, Sudan, Libya, and Red Sea security to ensure stability in the region.
We will continue to work together to solidify our longstanding strategic partnership that serves the interests of our nations well.
Finally, what is Egypt’s vision of the emerging international order which is taking shape in ways markedly different from the post-Cold War era? How does Egypt interpret the current polarisation in the light of President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi’s doctrine of “strategic balance” announced upon his assumption of office?
Egypt’s perspective rests on a premise based on what we call strategic balance. We refuse any kind of polarisation and our policies are geared to ensure the expansion of constructive cooperation with partner nations, as reflected in the government’s comprehensive vision to diversify economic activities and attract foreign direct investment across all sectors.
Amid mounting challenges confronting the developing world, coupled with deepening polarisation on the global stage, it has become imperative for Egypt to reinforce confidence in its economic instruments to realise its developmental aspirations. We firmly believe that these challenges are best confronted through enhanced cooperation with different partners, an objective we actively pursue through partnerships with several regional and international partners.
In this context, Egypt alongside its partners in the Global South, rallies for fundamental reforms to the international financial architecture to ensure sustainable development. In parallel, Egypt’s foreign policy remains firmly rooted in core principles of the respect for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of states, the non-interference in domestic affairs, and the full adherence to international law and the UN Charter. These guiding principles continue to shape Egypt’s engagements in the regional and international arenas, reflecting its unwavering commitment to stability, justice, and development. We must collectively work to strengthen the rules-based order but simultaneously inject necessary reforms to the international system to ensure its adaptability and fairness.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 18 September, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.
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