Monday, 25 May 2026
Sisi: Egypt won’t allow forced displacement in Gaza, renews push for two‑state solution
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El‑Sisi on Monday attended the 43rd Armed Forces Cultural Symposium, held in Cairo as part of national commemorations for Martyrs’ and Veterans’ Day.
According to the Presidential Spokesperson, the ceremony opened with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a program honoring the sacrifices of Egypt’s fallen soldiers. The program included multimedia presentations, documentary films, musical performances, and an AI‑generated segment titled “Our Martyrs in Our Hearts.” The event concluded with a patriotic operetta titled “100 Million Fedayeen.”
President Sisi honored families of fallen soldiers and those wounded in military operations before delivering a keynote address. In his speech, he emphasized that Martyrs’ Day is a moment of deep national gratitude, reaffirming Egypt’s commitment to supporting the families of those who lost their lives defending the country.
The President also addressed regional tensions, warning of severe humanitarian, economic, and security consequences arising from ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. He reiterated Egypt’s condemnation of attacks on Arab nations and called for renewed diplomatic efforts, stating that “there can be no peace without dialogue, no solutions without negotiation.”
On the Palestinian issue, Sisi reiterated that it remains central to Middle East peace. He reaffirmed Egypt’s long‑standing position that a just and lasting solution requires the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. He firmly rejected any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians, calling such actions a “red line” that Egypt will not allow.
Sisi highlighted the recent ceasefire agreement in Gaza, reached under the framework proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, describing it as a significant milestone. He warned against attempts to obstruct its implementation and stressed the urgent need for humanitarian aid, reconstruction efforts, and a credible political process leading to a two‑state solution.
The President also cautioned against efforts to inflame tensions in the Nile Basin and the Horn of Africa, describing such actions as dangerous and destabilizing. He affirmed Egypt’s commitment to cooperation and regional stability while rejecting any attempts to draw the region into conflict.
Despite global economic pressures, Sisi stated that Egypt’s economy remains stable, citing international assessments. He noted, however, that the Gaza conflict has caused Egypt significant economic losses, including nearly $10 billion in reduced Suez Canal revenues since October 2023.
President Sisi concluded by praising the resilience and unity of the Egyptian people, pledging ongoing efforts to strengthen national development and ensure a promising future for the country. He ended with a tribute to Egypt’s fallen soldiers and a reaffirmation of the nation’s commitment to honor their legacy.
The event took place at Al‑Manara International Conference Center and was attended by senior state officials, including the Speakers of Parliament and the Senate, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Cabinet members, and high‑ranking military commanders.