Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said lasting peace in the Middle East won't be possible without an independent Palestinian state — even if Israel normalises ties with every Arab nation. Speaking at the Arab League summit in Baghdad on Saturday, President El-Sisi warned the war in Gaza has reached one of its most dangerous phases. He accused Israel of a systematic campaign to destroy Gaza and force its population out. "Israel has not spared a stone, nor a child, nor an elderly person," he said. "What's happening in Gaza is not just a war—it is an attempt to make the territory uninhabitable and force its people into exile." He urged the international community—particularly the United States—to intensify efforts to halt the war and launch a credible peace process. While he welcomed former US President Donald Trump's role in brokering a temporary ceasefire in January, President El-Sisi noted that renewed Israeli aggression soon undermined the deal. Egypt, along with Qatar and the US, continues to mediate for a lasting truce. A recent breakthrough led to the release of a dual US-Israeli hostage, Edan Alexander, but broader progress remains elusive. President El-Sisi also recalled the outcomes of the emergency Cairo Summit held in March, where Arab states reaffirmed their rejection of forced displacement and endorsed a reconstruction plan for Gaza. Egypt, he added, plans to host an international conference on Gaza's early recovery once hostilities end. Beyond Gaza, President El-Sisi addressed a range of regional crises—from Sudan's fragmentation and Syria's reconstruction to Lebanon's sovereignty and Libya's political deadlock. He called for unified Arab action to prevent foreign interference, ensure humanitarian access, and support national reconciliation efforts. "We must rise to meet this historic moment," he said. "Our region's security, dignity, and future depend on our unity." Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
