Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, on Friday, expressed his view that “reviving the two-state solution process is an exhausted idea,” calling for “recognition of the Palestinian state.” Speaking in Cairo during a meeting with the Prime Ministers of Spain and Belgium, el-Sisi remarked, “Reviving the two-state solution path is an exhausted idea and may not be what is needed.” He added, “There must be a different approach, which is the recognition of the Palestinian state and its admission to the United Nations… This lends seriousness.”
El-Sisi’s comments came on the day a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip began, accompanied by the release of hostages held by Hamas and other Palestinian factions in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. The truce was brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, following intense Israeli bombing campaigns since October 7.
On that day, Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, resulting in the death of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, including women and children, according to Israeli authorities. Hamas and other Palestinian factions have since taken about 240 hostages in the Gaza Strip. In response, Israel has conducted bombings in Gaza, resulting in 14,854 deaths, predominantly among civilians, including women and children, according to health authorities in the region.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has long been a significant issue in Middle Eastern politics, with various attempts at peace negotiations over the years. The two-state solution, proposing independent Israeli and Palestinian states, has been a central concept in these peace efforts. However, the progress has been hindered by numerous challenges, including disagreements over borders, the status of Jerusalem, and the rights of Palestinian refugees.
In recent times, the region has seen escalating tensions, often leading to violence and military actions. The current ceasefire, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, comes after a period of intense conflict that has caused significant loss of life and raised humanitarian concerns. The ceasefire aims to provide a temporary halt to hostilities, allowing for negotiations and humanitarian aid.
President el-Sisi’s call for the recognition of a Palestinian state marks a notable shift in the discourse surrounding the conflict. This approach suggests a departure from the traditional two-state solution framework, highlighting a growing sentiment in the international community about the need for new strategies to address this long-standing issue. The recognition of a Palestinian state at the United Nations could potentially change the dynamics of the conflict, providing a new platform for dialogue and negotiation.
El-Sisi’s statement comes at a critical juncture in Middle Eastern politics, reflecting Egypt’s ongoing role as a key player in regional diplomacy. Egypt has historically been a mediator in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations and continues to exert influence in the region. This latest development underscores the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the importance of innovative approaches to achieving a lasting peace.
