President El-Sisi Participates in G7 Session, Advocating for Sustainable Solutions and Stability in the Middle East

President El-Sisi Participates in G7 Session, Advocating for Sustainable Solutions and Stability in the Middle East

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi took part on Tuesday in a special session titled "Navigating Crises and Sustaining Stability in the Middle East", a strategic meeting convened with the participation of heads of state from the G7 member nations.

During the panel, the Egyptian leader outlined Cairo’s vision on unfolding regional developments, stressing that global peace is directly contingent upon reaching a comprehensive settlement to the geopolitical crises plaguing the Middle East, particularly following the immense humanitarian suffering endured due to protracted wars and conflicts.

The Two-State Solution and the Peace Plan for Gaza

President El-Sisi reiterated that there is no alternative to a lasting settlement that includes a just resolution to the Palestinian cause. He advocated for the establishment of an independent Palestinian State based on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Furthermore, the Egyptian leader urged the expedited implementation of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for the Gaza Strip. El-Sisi formally expressed his appreciation for Trump’s efforts, which culminated in reaching an agreement to halt the war in Gaza and, recently, an agreement to cease hostilities with Iran.

"Egypt is ready to exert every effort, in collaboration with regional and international partners, to reach sustainable solutions to pending issues. We hope that these agreements will usher in a new era of conflict resolution and regional de-escalation," the President stated.

Warnings Regarding the Gaza Strip and the West Bank

Despite the optimism surrounding recent diplomatic breakthroughs, President El-Sisi issued a stark warning: amid the international preoccupation with the crisis with Iran, the scope of the "Yellow Line" in the Gaza Strip has been expanded. This area now encompasses approximately 70% of the Strip, effectively leaving only 30% for the Palestinian people.

The Egyptian leader emphasized that this approach must cease immediately and that the annexation of the West Bank must not be permitted under any circumstances.

Collective Security, Sovereignty, and Transboundary Resources

For Egypt, regional stability requires strict compliance with international law. El-Sisi outlined the fundamental pillars for peaceful coexistence in the region:

Respect for sovereignty: Categorical rejection of any aggressions or interference in the internal affairs of other states.

 

Termination of occupation: Compliance with international rules and the preservation of nation-state institutions.

 

Monopoly of force: Restricting the possession of arms strictly to legitimate state institutions.

Resource security: Forging consensus on regional collective security arrangements regarding the management of transboundary resources, most notably water security, energy security, and the safety of shipping lanes.

 

Disarmament: Establishing a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East, alongside the comprehensive and non-selective implementation of the non-proliferation regime.

Solidarity with the Arab Gulf and Maritime Navigation

The President reaffirmed Egypt’s categorical condemnation of any unjustified aggression against the Arab Gulf states, highlighting that the security of the Gulf nations is an integral part of Egypt’s national security. He also underscored the absolute necessity of ensuring the unhindered and safe passage of vessels through international waterways, firmly rejecting any endeavors aimed at altering their legal status.

Criticisms of Israel and International Backing for Egypt’s Role

During the meeting, G7 leaders discussed the importance of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and safeguarding global trade, which has suffered negative repercussions on energy infrastructure due to regional maritime instability.

In discussing the situation in Lebanon, the participating leaders openly criticized the Israeli Prime Minister and his government’s practices in the region. The G7 emphasized that Israel must:

 1. Cease targeting Lebanon and withdraw from Lebanese territory.

 2. Empower the legitimate Lebanese government while exploring the potential deployment of an international UN peacekeeping force.

 3. Transition to the second phase of the agreement to end the war in Gaza and establish a Palestinian State living side-by-side with Israel.

Egypt’s role as a mediator was widely praised. The Prime Minister of Italy noted that El-Sisi’s participation underscores that peace can only be achieved through solid treaties, modeling it after the historic peace treaty concluded between Egypt and Israel. The Prime Minister of Canada also affirmed the significant role played by El-Sisi and President Donald Trump in reaching the agreement to halt the war in the Gaza Strip.

Closing Remarks

In his concluding remarks, President El-Sisi endorsed the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel as an exemplary model, confirming that the opportunity for regional peace must be seized. He warned that the international community must prevent any endeavors seeking to undermine the agreements successfully brokered by President Trump.

Finally, El-Sisi pointed out that Israel’s failure to withdraw from five specific points it occupies in Lebanon, despite the stipulations of the Lebanese ceasefire agreement, has exacerbated the local situation, once again highlighting the vital role of the United States in resolving regional crises.