NEW DELHI: Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stated on Friday that resolving the Palestinian issue is fundamental to Israel achieving normalized relations with Arab states and for the successful implementation of major connectivity initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
Abdelatty highlighted Egypt’s perspective, mentioning that India is considered among the key regional and international players capable of assisting in the implementation of the Gaza peace plan between Israel and Hamas. He shared these insights during a press briefing following his visit to New Delhi for the inaugural India-Egypt strategic dialogue.
Discussions on the Gaza peace plan, which led to a ceasefire and the exchange of hostages and prisoners, as well as the broader Palestinian issue, were central to Abdelatty’s meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. While acknowledging the US peace plan as the primary framework, Abdelatty asserted that the establishment of a Palestinian state, encompassing Gaza and the West Bank, is the sole path to lasting peace and security for Israel and the entire region.
“The progress on normalization [between Israel and Arab states] and connectivity projects has been stalled for a single critical reason: the unresolved Palestinian question, which lies at the heart of the regional conflict,” Abdelatty explained, referencing the hostilities that began with Hamas’s attacks in October 2023.
He further stated, “Normalization cannot substitute for a final resolution of the Palestinian cause. Even if Israel achieves normalization with all Arab and Muslim countries, it will not bring lasting peace and stability to the region. The only way to achieve this is by granting Palestinians their right to an independent state.”
Egypt has expressed interest in playing a role in the IMEC project, which was finalized during India’s G20 presidency in September 2023 but has faced significant challenges due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Abdelatty acknowledged IMEC’s importance but cautioned that regional instability could impede such cooperative ventures.
“We believe it is essential to foster a conducive environment for projects like IMEC to flourish. We support all connectivity initiatives, as Egypt, with its strategic location, is well-positioned to be a hub for such projects,” he said, adding, “Our participation in any connectivity project is contingent on ensuring that connectivity is also a crucial part of a final settlement for the Palestinian cause.”
Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s view that India and the US are vital partners in ensuring the effective implementation of the Gaza peace plan, calling their involvement a “guarantee for the commitment and adherence to the Sharm el-Sheikh agreement by both Israel and Hamas.”
Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inability to attend the recent Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit, where India was represented by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, Egypt continues its engagement. The summit saw the signing of a ceasefire deal involving the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkiye.
“India’s role is significant, and we will continue our efforts to foster cooperation,” Abdelatty assured.
Egypt places considerable confidence in the US and President Trump as the primary guarantors for the Gaza peace plan’s execution. Abdelatty noted that Israel and Hamas are nearing the completion of the first phase of the peace plan, with the next crucial step being a UN Security Council resolution to legitimize a proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF). This resolution would define the ISF’s mission and mandate, and an agreement has already been reached on a 15-member Palestinian administrative committee to manage daily affairs during a transitional period, empowering the Palestinian Authority.
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