Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and his Lebanese counterpart Joseph Aoun met in Cairo on Monday, where they jointly called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, greater regional cooperation, and renewed Arab solidarity in the face of escalating tensions. President Al-Sisi emphasized Egypt's ongoing efforts to end the violence in Gaza and underscored both countries' firm rejection of any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians or undermine their cause. He urged the international community to support the reconstruction of Gaza and enable the Palestinian Authority to return and govern the enclave. "In our talks, we reviewed the latest developments in Gaza and reiterated the urgent need to halt the aggression, restore the ceasefire, and secure the release of all hostages and detainees," Al-Sisi said at a joint press conference with President Aoun. "We also stressed the necessity of expediting the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in desperate need." He called for a unified global response to rebuild Gaza without displacement, empower the Palestinian Authority, and advance the recognition of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. "This path," he stated, "is the only way to secure lasting peace and stability in the region." Aoun's visit came amid escalating instability in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon—issues that dominated the leaders' agenda. On Syria, Al-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's support for the Syrian people and the importance of an inclusive political transition. He condemned Israeli violations of Syrian sovereignty and reiterated the call for Israel's withdrawal from occupied Syrian territories. Turning to Egypt-Lebanon relations, Al-Sisi said the visit "underscores the depth of our historical and strategic ties," and highlighted discussions on expanding cooperation, particularly in trade and economic development. He reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to supporting Lebanon's reconstruction and sovereignty, while rejecting ongoing Israeli violations. "Egypt continues to work through regional and international channels to demand Israel's unconditional withdrawal from all Lebanese territories," Al-Sisi said, emphasizing full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and strengthening the Lebanese army's presence south of the Litani River. President Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon's dedication to a comprehensive and just peace, its commitment to Resolution 1701, and the role of UNIFIL peacekeepers. He called for a return to the 1949 Armistice Agreement and an end to Israeli hostilities. He urged the international community to ensure Israel complies with the U.S.-French mediated agreement from November 26, withdraws from all Lebanese territories, and releases all Lebanese detainees. On Syria, Aoun reiterated Lebanon's intention to maintain strong bilateral relations and address shared concerns, especially the refugee crisis. "We agreed to establish joint committees to facilitate the safe and dignified return of Syrian refugees," he said, while welcoming the recent easing of U.S. sanctions on Syria as a positive step toward regional recovery. Aoun also proposed the creation of an institutional framework for shared Arab interests, starting with bilateral cooperation and expanding into a regional common market. "Such a vision depends on regional stability," he said. "And lasting stability can only be achieved through peace — a peace grounded in justice. That means recognizing the rights of all peoples. This was the essence of the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, and it remains our guiding principle." He concluded by expressing hope for a future in which a sovereign Palestinian state thrives, extremism and poverty are overcome, and the region achieves lasting development and prosperity.
