In a significant address that captured attention across the Middle East, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi proposed that Egypt’s decades-old peace treaty with Israel could offer a model for peace throughout the region. His comments come amid rising tensions in Gaza, shifting regional alliances, and potential changes in U.S. Middle East policy with the possible return of Donald Trump to the White House.
A Call for Regional Peace
In a speech that resonated widely across Arab nations, President el-Sisi emphasized that Egypt’s peace agreement with Israel, signed in 1979, has been a stabilizing factor in the region. He argued that this agreement, which marked the first peace deal between an Arab country and Israel, should be used as a framework for resolving conflicts with other nations in the Middle East.
El-Sisi’s call for peace comes as the Gaza conflict enters its second year, with no clear resolution in sight. The ongoing violence has caused significant loss of life, further deepening the divide between Israel and the Palestinian territories. Despite this, Egypt remains a crucial player in mediating peace talks between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian militant group.
Changing Dynamics in the Middle East
The Middle East has witnessed significant shifts in political and military alliances in recent years. New relationships have formed, particularly with some Arab countries normalizing ties with Israel in the past few years. This includes agreements with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco under the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords. These agreements have been hailed as steps towards a more stable and cooperative region.
El-Sisi’s remarks, however, are particularly timely given the ongoing challenges in Gaza and the broader Palestinian-Israeli conflict. His speech underscores Egypt’s longstanding role as a mediator and peacekeeper in the region, particularly regarding the Palestinian issue.
A Potential Shift in U.S. Policy
As Egypt calls for regional peace, the Middle East’s relationship with the United States may also face a transformation. With Donald Trump possibly returning to the White House, experts speculate that U.S. policy in the Middle East could change significantly. During his tenure, Trump facilitated the Abraham Accords, which saw several Arab nations normalize relations with Israel.
Should Trump return to power, it remains to be seen whether he will continue to push for new peace deals or shift focus to other strategic concerns. Egypt’s el-Sisi has long had a working relationship with the U.S., and it is likely that any changes in American policy will have a direct impact on Egypt’s approach to the region.
Egypt’s Role as a Peace Broker
Egypt has long positioned itself as a key player in regional diplomacy, particularly in efforts to broker peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Cairo has mediated multiple ceasefire agreements in Gaza and consistently advocated for a two-state solution, aiming to secure peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.
El-Sisi’s speech underlines Egypt’s desire to play a more active role in shaping regional stability. With Israel’s peace agreements with several Arab nations in recent years, el-Sisi may see an opportunity to expand Egypt’s influence and push for a broader peace framework based on Egypt-Israel relations.
The Road to Peace: Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimistic vision presented by President el-Sisi, significant challenges remain. The situation in Gaza remains volatile, with tensions between Israel and Hamas continuing to escalate. Additionally, many Arab nations remain divided over how to approach peace with Israel, particularly regarding the status of Jerusalem and the rights of Palestinian refugees.
The peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, while historic, has not led to widespread normalization in the broader Arab world. Many Arab countries, especially those in the Gulf and Levant, still maintain strong opposition to Israeli policies regarding Palestinians. Overcoming these divisions will require substantial diplomatic efforts and shifts in regional attitudes toward Israel.
