Egypt’s Efforts Regarding the Gaza Crisis
Monday 29/September/2025 - 03:41 PM
Khaled Ali
Since the beginning of the Israeli war on Gaza, Egypt has spared no effort in supporting the Palestinian people, providing firm and consistent assistance on all levels: political, humanitarian, field, and security. Egyptian efforts have focused as follows:
On the Political Level:
1. The Egyptian leadership consistently reaffirmed its clear stance in all communications and press conferences: total rejection of any Israeli plans aimed at forcibly or voluntarily displacing Palestinians from their land, stressing that displacement represents a “red line” for Egypt.
2. Hosting the Cairo Peace Summit on October 21, 2023, with broad Arab and international participation, sending a clear message about Egypt’s firm position.
3. Convening an Arab-Islamic summit in Cairo in March 2025, where participants endorsed Egypt’s plan for Gaza’s reconstruction.
4. Presenting a legal memorandum before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israeli practices, while announcing Cairo’s intention to join South Africa’s case against Israel.
5. Maintaining ongoing contacts with regional and international actors to rally support for Egypt’s vision (rejection of displacement, holding Israel accountable as an occupying power, and supporting the Palestinian Authority in regaining control of Gaza after the war).
6. Hosting reconciliation meetings in Cairo in October 2024 between Fatah and Hamas to discuss “day-after” arrangements.
7. Stressing that the only viable solution for regional stability is the “Two-State Solution.”
On Ceasefire Negotiations:
1. Egypt succeeded in November 2023 (with Qatari coordination and U.S. sponsorship) in brokering a 7-day humanitarian truce, including prisoner exchanges and expanded humanitarian access.
2. A phased agreement signed on January 19, 2025 (three 42-day stages), providing for the release of 1924 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 33 Israeli hostages, daily entry of 600 aid trucks, and gradual Israeli withdrawal from parts of Gaza, with Rafah crossing reopened.
3. Israel, however, derailed the agreement with a unilateral military operation on Gaza on March 18, 2025, leading to renewed hostilities.
4. In April 2025, Egyptian mediation persuaded Hamas to release an Israeli-American hostage as a goodwill gesture.
5. On August 18, 2025, mediators proposed a provisional ceasefire (60 days), including prisoner releases and sustained aid deliveries, with U.S. President Trump committing to extend talks; however, Israel’s excessive conditions obstructed implementation.
6. Egypt continued its mediation efforts after the Israeli strike on the Hamas delegation in Doha on September 9, 2025.
On the Humanitarian / Field Level:
1. Egypt coordinated with international organizations to secure aid flows through Al-Arish airport into Gaza (Egypt provided about 80% of aid).
2. Since May 2024, Cairo engaged with Israel to increase aid deliveries via Kerem Shalom crossing and open other access points, raising the number of daily aid trucks to nearly 250.
3. Hosting a humanitarian conference on December 2, 2024, in Cairo, to address urgent needs and discuss reconstruction.
4. Establishing temporary camps for displaced Gazans in Rafah, Deir al-Balah, and Khan Younis.
5. Exerting pressure on Israel to reopen all crossings, lift the blockade, and remove obstacles hampering humanitarian convoys.
