Egyptian President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi on Tuesday called world leaders to seize what he described as a "historic opportunity" to end decades of conflict by recognising a Palestinian state, framing the two-state solution as the only viable path to peace and security in the Middle East. In a statement released on Monday on the occasion of convening the International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine in New York, Sisi said: "The recognition of the independent State of Palestine and its realisation on the ground is not a dream, but rather a steadfast determination to uphold a right for which the Palestinian people have long struggled, supported by all peoples of the world who aspire to peace." The remarks reflect Cairo's longstanding role as a key mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Since the war in Gaza erupted in October 2023, Egypt has repeatedly tried to broker a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, opening back-channel talks in Cairo that involved US and Qatari participation. At the same time, Cairo has positioned itself to take the lead in postwar recovery efforts. Sisi has reiterated Egypt's readiness to host an international conference on the reconstruction of Gaza "immediately after a ceasefire is reached," arguing that humanitarian relief and rebuilding must be coupled with political negotiations to avoid repeating cycles of violence. In past statements, Sisi has also warned of the broader consequences of a prolonged war in Gaza, cautioning European leaders that the humanitarian fallout risks fueling instability and driving new waves of migration toward Europe. That warning — aimed at highlighting how the conflict reverberates beyond the Middle East — has become a recurring theme in his appeals for international intervention. Egypt's stance aligns with growing international calls to revive the two-state framework, even as on-the-ground realities have made such a solution increasingly elusive. Israeli settlement expansion, divisions within the Palestinian leadership, and shifting priorities in Washington have all undercut the prospects for negotiations. Still, Sisi insisted Tuesday that the alternative — an indefinite continuation of the conflict — poses risks not only for Palestinians and Israelis, but also for the wider region and beyond. "This is the only path to achieving lasting peace, security, and enduring cooperation among all the peoples of the region," he said. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
