President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi Opens Cairo Peace Summit 2023

Introduction

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, inaugurated the Cairo Peace Summit 2023 in the Administrative Capital today. The summit was organized by Egypt and attended by distinguished leaders, heads of state, prime ministers, foreign ministers, state delegations, and representatives from various international organizations. The purpose of the summit was to discuss the latest developments in the Palestinian Authority issue and to promote peace in the Middle East.

President Sisi’s Opening Speech

During his opening speech, President Sisi acknowledged the challenging nature of the summit, emphasizing that it was a crucial moment that tested the depth of their faith in values ​​and principles. He highlighted that people from around the world, not just the region, were eagerly anticipating their positions regarding the ongoing military climbing in Israel and the Palestinian territories since October 7th.

President Sisi expressed Egypt’s clear condemnation of the targeting, killing or intimidation of innocent civilians. Furthermore, he expressed astonishment at the lack of global action in response to the catastrophic humanitarian crisis faced by two and a half million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

The Egyptian President stressed the importance of ending the military escalation and called for negotiations to achieve a just solution to the Palestinian issue. He emphasized the establishment of an independent state based on the two-state solution and urged serious support for the legitimate Palestinian Authority.

President Sisi highlighted Egypt’s ongoing efforts to coordinate and provide humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. He lamented that repeated Israeli bombings on the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing had hindered their work. However, President Sisi assured listeners that he had reached an agreement with US President Joe Biden to operate the crossing sustainably, under the supervision and coordination of the United Nations, UNRWA, and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. This would ensure aid distribution to the population in the Gaza Strip under UN supervision.

Egypt’s Stance on Forced Displacement

President Sisi firmly asserted Egypt’s rejection of forced displacement and the exodus of Palestinians to Egyptian lands in Sinai. He emphasized that such actions would only bring about the final liquidation of the Palestinian issue, thus ending the dream of an independent Palestinian state. President Sisi highlighted how this would undermine the Palestinian people’s struggle, as well as the Arab and Islamic peoples’ aspirations, and even the efforts of freedom-loving individuals worldwide, over the past 75 years.

The Need for International Protection

President Sisi called for international protection of innocent civilians and their safety, emphasizing the importance of preventing their intimidation and targeting. He warned of an impending humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and highlighted the rejection of Egypt, the international community, international law, and international humanitarian law towards attempts at forced displacement. Furthermore, he endorsed against any actions that would lead to the liquidation of the Palestinian cause.