El-Sisi: No Lasting Peace in Middle East Without Independent Palestinian State
Quick Look
- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi stated that lasting peace and stability in the Middle East are impossible without an independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
- He emphasized that normalizing ties with Israel hinges on ending the occupation of Palestinian territories.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Egyptian President el-Sisi inaugurated a new Strategic Command Headquarters, the Octagon, described as the world's largest military HQ. He used the occasion to reiterate Egypt's stance on Middle East peace.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said there can be no lasting peace or stability in the Middle East without an independent Palestinian state as he inaugurated Egypt's new Strategic Command Headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.
Speaking at the ceremony, el-Sisi said on Saturday that normalising Egypt's ties with Israel depends on Israel ending the occupation of Palestinian territories.
According to el-Sisi, a comprehensive and just peace remained the only way to end decades of conflict, calling for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with international law.
"There can be no lasting peace, no true stability and no popular normalisation without a just peace that ends the occupation, puts an end to injustice and aggression, restores rights to their rightful owners and provides security for all," he said.
El-Sisi said such a settlement would allow the region to move towards greater stability, cooperation and prosperity.
The Egyptian president also called for the full implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and the US-Iran framework deal to end the war, urging efforts to prevent attempts to undermine either deal.
He thanked US President Donald Trump for his efforts to help secure both agreements and said Egypt had worked to contain regional escalation.
The remarks came during the inauguration of Egypt's new Strategic Command Headquarters, known as the Octagon, which officials say will serve as the country's main command-and-control centre.
The Octagon -- named after eight interconnected octagonal buildings, representing the eight branches of the Egyptian army -- is the largest military HQ in the world.
According to Egyptian authorities, the complex brings together military command, crisis management and secure communications systems to improve coordination and decision-making during emergencies.
The inauguration was attended by senior civilian and military officials, including Defence Minister Lieutenant General Ashraf Salem Zaher and Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Ahmed Khalifa. During the ceremony, el-Sisi described the headquarters as a major step forward in Egypt's command and operational capabilities.
Open Questions
- What specific steps will Egypt take to promote a Palestinian state?
- How will Israel respond to el-Sisi's conditions for normalization?
