Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi said on Monday that peace is not imposed by bombing or achieved through normalisation agreements rejected by the public, stressing that a just resolution for the Palestinians was the only path to stability in the Middle East. In a speech marking the anniversary of Egypt's June 30, 2013 revolution, Al-Sisi addressed the conflicts roiling the region, particularly the war in Gaza. "Peace does not come from bombing, nor is it imposed by force, nor is it achieved by normalisation that peoples reject.True peace is built on the foundations of justice, fairness, and understanding," he said. He warned that the current approach to regional conflicts would only prolong instability. "The continuation of war and occupation will not produce peace, but rather feeds the cycle of hatred and violence, and opens the doors of revenge and resistance, which will not be closed," Sisi said. "Enough violence, killing, and hatred. Enough occupation, displacement, and expulsion." Al-Sisi reiterated Egypt's long-standing position that a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace. "Peace in the Middle East will only be achieved with the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital," he stated. He pointed to his country's own history as evidence that peace, while challenging, was possible. "Peace, although it may seem difficult to achieve, is not impossible. It has always been the choice of the wise. Let us be inspired by the experience of Egyptian-Israeli peace in the seventies, which was mediated by the United States, as proof that peace is possible if intentions are sincere," Al-Sisi added. The president said his address came at a time when "the entire region is groaning under the fire of wars, from the voices of the victims rising from afflicted Gaza; to the conflicts in Sudan, Libya, Syria, Yemen, and Somalia." He urged all parties involved in regional conflicts, as well as the international community, to "resort to the voice of wisdom and reason, to spare the peoples of the region the woes of sabotage and destruction." Addressing the Egyptian people, Sisi acknowledged domestic difficulties. "Egypt's strength lies not in its weapons alone, but in your awareness, in the cohesion of your ranks, and in your rejection of all calls for frustration, division, and hatred," he said. "Yes, the burdens are heavy, and the challenges are great, but we bow only to God 'Almighty', and we will not deviate from our ambitions for a dignified homeland. I feel for you and I assure you that easing the burdens on your shoulders is a top priority for the state, especially in light of these volatile conditions surrounding us." He concluded his speech with a tribute to the nation's "martyrs" and their families. "I send a tribute of reverence and loyalty to the souls of our righteous martyrs, who watered the soil of this nation with their pure blood, which has grown into pride and dignity," Sisi said. "I kiss the forehead of every mother, father, wife, and child who lost loved ones so that this nation may live with its head held high." He also expressed his appreciation for "our valiant armed forces… the nation's shield and sword, and to the loyal members of the civilian police… and to all the state's agencies that work day and night in the service of the sons of this great people."
