Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has praised the Gaza ceasefire plan proposed by the United States, calling it the “right path to lasting peace.”1 This comes as Egypt is actively involved in mediating talks between Israel and Hamas.2
Key elements of the plan that Egypt supports include:
- Hostage and Prisoner Exchange: The plan’s first phase focuses on the release of the remaining 48 Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.3
- Ceasefire and De-escalation: The agreement would lead to an immediate end to fighting in Gaza.
- Hamas Disarmament and Governance: A critical component of the plan is the requirement for Hamas to disarm, relinquish power, and be replaced by a transitional, technocratic governing body.4
- Phased Israeli Withdrawal: Israel would gradually withdraw its troops from Gaza, with an international force taking their place.5
Egypt’s foreign minister has also indicated that while the proposal has “a lot of holes,” there is a consensus that Hamas should have no role in the governance of Gaza after the war.6 Egypt, along with Qatar and Turkey, is working to convince Hamas to accept the plan.7
Egypt has a long history of mediating in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has played a central role in recent ceasefire efforts.8 The country’s foreign policy on the issue is rooted in its historical ties to the Palestinians and its role as the first Arab nation to sign a peace treaty with Israel.9 Egypt is also concerned about the potential for a mass expulsion of Palestinians into its bordering Sinai region, which it views as a threat to its national security and stability.10
