Egyptian Foreign Policy and the Palestinian Crisis: Balanced Diplomacy and Sustained Support

See - Sada Elbalad

05-03-2025

Monica William, International relations analyst
In recent years, international relations have been largely influenced by a structural approach, given the anarchic nature of the global system. This perspective imposes three key strategies on state actors: self-reliance, balance-power, and the imperative to ensure national sovereignty.
The Palestinian crisis has reached a critical turning point, with escalating developments and mounting complexities posing grave challenges to regional stability. The obstacles to implementing the second phase of the ceasefire, as well as the broader efforts to create a sustainable political framework for resolving the ongoing crisis. Considering this, Egypt has pursued a strategic multidimensional approach since 2023, formulating a comprehensive policy that align with its long-standing commitment to a two-state solution, an unwavering principle of Egyptian foreign policy and a cornerstone of national security considerations.
An analysis of Egypt's recent diplomatic efforts reveals a steadfast commitment to addressing the Palestinian crisis. This approach has been guided by three main dimensions:
The first dimension involves humanitarian intervention, particularly through the Rafah border crossing. Egypt has facilitated aid delivery via Al-Arish Airport in North Sinai, serving as a central hub for international relief efforts. Additionally, Egypt has expanded access to Gaza by coordinating the entry of humanitarian convoys through the Al-Auja and Karem Abou Salem ) Kerem Shalom(crossings. Collaborative efforts with Jordan, the UAE, and the United States have also enabled air-drop operations to deliver essential supplies to northern Gaza.
The second dimension focuses on fostering Palestinian unity and establishing a consensus-driven governance structure between Palestinian factions and the Palestinian Authority. This effort aims to secure necessities for Gaza's population amid Israeli attempts to sideline the Palestinian Authority from post-war governance arrangements. Egypt has played a crucial role in facilitating reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas, underscoring the importance of a unified Palestinian front. Egyptian Qatari mediation efforts, in coordination with the United States, culminated in the Cairo Summit of 2023, which secured a temporary ceasefire on the 48th day of Israeli hostilities. This agreement led to the release of 50 Israeli detainees in Gaza in exchange for the liberation of 150 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli detention, paving the way for subsequent ceasefire agreements.
The third-dimension underscores Egypt's diplomatic initiatives to prevent the eradication of the Palestinian cause. From the beginning of the conflict, Egypt recognized Israel's concealed objectives behind its declaration of war on Gaza. As a result, Egypt has actively worked to mobilize international opinion, as reflected in President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's multiple engagements with global leaders. These diplomatic efforts extended beyond regional outreach, including high-level visits to Spain and meetings with European Council representatives on the sidelines of the Cairo Summit.
Amid unwavering U.S. support for Israel, The Trump administration previously pursued a transactional approach based on 'peace through power', aligning closely with Israeli strategic interests. This was evident in arms deals that strengthened Israel's military capabilities, reversing restrictions imposed under President Joe Biden.
On the other hand, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff recently proposed a 42-day ceasefire extension as a framework for negotiating a permanent ceasefire, coupled with the conditional release of half of the remaining civilian hostages and this proposal rejected by Hamas due to the lack of political guarantees.
Noteworthy, there is a political instability, internal divisions within Israel which become apparent during the March 3, 2025, Knesset (Israel's parliament) session, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced confrontations, leading to the expulsion of Yair Golan, leader of the Labor Party. These tensions, exacerbated by physical altercation between Knesset members, family members of prisoners and security forces, highlight internal fractures that could influence Israel's strategic calculations, and its potential impact on future developments.
consequently, Egypt has pursued a regional diplomatic initiative, strengthening Arab consensus on Palestine through deeper coordination with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, and Qatar, alongside the Palestinian Authority. This effort is aimed mainly at countering Israeli attempts to eliminate the Palestinian cause or marginalize the Palestinian Authority's role in Gaza. Egypt's regional leadership was further reinforced through its hosting of three Arab summits, including a ministerial summit and an emergency Arab League summit in Cairo on March 4, 2025. The primary objective of these discussions is to formulate a comprehensive plan for Gaza's reconstruction while ensuring that Palestinians remain in their homeland.
In this regard, Egypt's reconstruction plan outlines short-term objectives, strategic pillars for the post-war transition period in Gaza as well. It includes the formation of a temporary administrative committee for Gaza to oversee governance for six months, the sustained enforcement of the ceasefire, and the provision of temporary housing for displaced Gazans across seven designated sites capable of accommodating 1.5 million people. The estimated cost of Gaza's reconstruction stands at $53 billion over five years.
Additionally, Egypt participated in the Gulf-Egypt-Jordan mini-summit in Saudi amid Arab efforts to present a counterplan to US President Donald Trump's proposal to transfer Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, which also aims to rebuild Gaza.
As well there is a strongly condemning Israeli statements that advocated for a Palestinian state within Saudi territory which accordingly reflects and underscores the necessity of a unified Arab stance on Palestine to counter Israeli expansionist ambitions.
Egypt has also demonstrated readiness to confront various geopolitical scenarios, including potential military aid reductions or external pressure. To mitigate these risks, Egypt has strengthened its military capabilities, notably securing Chinese J-10C jets as part of its broader strategy to enhance national defense independence.
In sum, Egypt's foreign policy toward Palestine is a continuation of its historical role in defending the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. Given the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, Egypt's steadfast and balanced diplomatic approach reflects a strategic vision that recognizes the complexities of the conflict and the shifting power dynamics in the region.
Through proactive bilateral diplomacy and multilateral engagement, Egypt's approach to the crisis has centered on three core pillars: securing ceasefires, providing humanitarian assistance, and fostering a viable political resolution based on international legal frameworks.
Egypt has maintained discussion with all key stakeholders, reaffirming its commitment to a political solution grounded in the two-state model, with East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestinian state.