Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi Urges Trump to Lead Middle East Peace Efforts
in a pivotal phone call on Saturday,Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi emphasized to former U.S.President Donald Trump that the world is counting on him to broker a “permanent” peace agreement between Israelis and Palestinians. This conversation marked the first direct dialogue between the two leaders as Trump proposed a controversial plan to “clean” the Gaza Strip by relocating its Palestinian residents to neighboring Jordan and Egypt.
According to a statement from the Egyptian presidency, Al-Sisi stressed that “the international community counted on the capacity of President Trump to achieve a permanent and ancient peace agreement ending the conflict that exists in the region for decades.” The two leaders also exchanged mutual invitations and underscored the importance of continued “coordination and cooperation” between their nations.
Though, Al-Sisi, alongside Jordan’s King Abdullah II, firmly rejected Trump’s proposal to transfer Gazans to their countries. “The deportation and displacement of the Palestinians from their land is an injustice in which we will not take part,” Al-Sisi declared. Despite this, he expressed Egypt’s commitment to working with Trump to achieve peace based on a two-state solution.
Trump, though, remained insistent. ”We do a lot for them and they will do it,” he stated on Thursday, doubling down on his stance.
The rejection of forced displacement was echoed by foreign ministers from Egypt,Jordan,the United Arab Emirates,saudi Arabia,and Qatar during a meeting in Cairo on Saturday. they collectively opposed any measures that would uproot Palestinians from their homeland.
Amid these diplomatic tensions, Egypt remains a key ally of the U.S., being the only country, apart from Israel, to receive an exemption from the recent freeze on foreign aid imposed by the new U.S. administration.
The backdrop to these discussions is a fragile ceasefire in the gaza Strip, which has been in place as January 19 after more than 15 months of conflict between Israel and Hamas.
key Points at a Glance
| Topic | Details |
|——————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Phone Call | First conversation between Al-Sisi and Trump since the Gaza proposal. |
| Al-Sisi’s Message | Urged Trump to achieve a “permanent and historical peace agreement.” |
| Rejection of Proposal | Al-Sisi and King Abdullah II opposed relocating Gazans. |
| International Stance | Arab foreign ministers rejected forced displacement of Palestinians. |
| U.S. Aid Exemption | Egypt and Israel exempt from U.S. foreign aid freeze. |
| Ceasefire Status | Fragile truce in Gaza since January 19, 2025. |
As the world watches, the stakes for peace in the Middle East remain high, with leaders like Al-Sisi and trump at the center of these critical discussions.
Al-Sisi Urges Trump to Lead Middle East Peace Efforts: An Expert Analysis
In a recent advancement, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has called on former U.S. President Donald Trump to play a pivotal role in achieving a “permanent and historical peace agreement” between Israelis and Palestinians. This conversation comes amidst a controversial proposal by Trump to relocate Gazans to neighboring countries, a plan that has been met with strong opposition from regional leaders. To delve deeper into this issue, we spoke with Dr. Samir el-Hassan,a renowned expert on Middle Eastern geopolitics.
The Phone Call: A Turning Point in Diplomacy?
Editor: Dr. El-Hassan, could you provide some context on the recent phone call between al-Sisi and Trump? how meaningful is this conversation in the broader middle East peace process?
Dr. el-Hassan: The phone call between Al-Sisi and Trump marks a critical moment in the ongoing efforts to broker peace in the region. Al-Sisi’s emphasis on a “permanent and historical peace agreement” underscores the urgency and importance of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This dialog also highlights the role of Egypt as a key mediator,leveraging its relationships with both the U.S. and regional players.
Rejection of Trump’s Proposal: A United Front
Editor: Trump’s proposal to relocate Gazans to Egypt and Jordan has been met with strong rejection.Can you elaborate on why this plan was opposed by Al-Sisi and King Abdullah II?
Dr. El-Hassan: The proposal to displace gazans is not only impractical but also deeply unjust. Al-Sisi and King Abdullah II’s rejection reflects a commitment to the Palestinian cause and the principle of self-determination. Both leaders understand that forced displacement would exacerbate tensions and undermine the prospects for a lasting peace. Their stance also aligns with the broader Arab position, as evidenced by the unified rejection from foreign ministers in Cairo.
International Stance: Arab Unity Against forced Displacement
Editor: How significant is the collective opposition from Arab foreign ministers to Trump’s plan? What does this say about the regional consensus on the issue?
Dr. El-Hassan: The collective opposition is highly significant. It demonstrates a rare moment of unity among Arab nations in defense of Palestinian rights. this unified stance sends a clear message to the international community that forced displacement is unacceptable and that any peace agreement must respect the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people. It also reinforces the importance of a two-state solution as the foundation for lasting peace.
U.S. Aid Exemption: Egypt’s Strategic Position
Editor: Amid these diplomatic tensions, Egypt remains exempt from the U.S. foreign aid freeze. How does this exemption impact Egypt’s role in the peace process?
Dr. El-Hassan: The exemption underscores Egypt’s strategic importance to the U.S. as a key ally in the region. It allows Egypt to maintain its role as a mediator and stabilizer in Middle Eastern geopolitics. This financial support also enables Egypt to continue its humanitarian efforts in Gaza and its broader peacebuilding initiatives, which are crucial for fostering stability and dialogue.
Ceasefire Status: A Fragile Calm in Gaza
Editor: With the fragile ceasefire in gaza as January 19,2025,what are the challenges to maintaining peace in the region?
Dr. el-hassan: The ceasefire is indeed fragile, and maintaining it requires addressing the root causes of the conflict, including the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the lack of a political solution. the international community must support efforts to rebuild Gaza, improve living conditions, and facilitate dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. Without addressing these underlying issues, the ceasefire remains vulnerable to disruption.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
Editor: Dr. El-Hassan, what are the key takeaways from Al-Sisi’s call to Trump and the broader regional response?
Dr. El-Hassan: The key takeaway is that peace in the Middle East requires a just and equitable solution that respects the rights of all parties involved. Al-Sisi’s call to Trump highlights the need for continued U.S.engagement and leadership in the peace process. However, any proposal must align with the principles of self-determination and international law. The unified opposition to forced displacement is a positive sign that regional leaders are committed to a two-state solution and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.