Mohamed Gamal – Egyptian Journalist Specializing in International Affairs, working in Cairo24 news website. I have a big honor to meet him in World Youth Festival Summit in Oremburg, Russia. Now, from Egypt he will answer to all questions we have about the future of the region and the role of El Cairo.

Q: How does the situation in Gaza influence the relations between Egypt and Israel, particularly in terms of security and political cooperation?

A: Egypt’s stance has always been clear and explicit since the beginning of the crisis. Cairo has repeatedly emphasized over the past year, amidst the war, that there will be no displacement. Egypt will not accept the expulsion of Palestinians from their lands, whether to Egyptian territories, particularly Sinai, which remains a focal point for the Zionists, or to any other location. This is not just the position of Egypt’s political leadership; it is also a widespread public sentiment capable of resisting any such plans. Last week, we witnessed tens of thousands of Egyptians at the Rafah crossing chanting against Trump’s plans and rejecting them in all forms.

The Egyptian stance, both at the popular and official levels, indicates that Cairo will not remain silent in the face of Trump’s schemes, no matter the cost. This is a pure Egyptian popular will, and the Egyptian people entrust their political leadership to take all necessary measures to halt Trump’s plans and prevent the displacement of Palestinians.

Q: How does the situation in Gaza influence the relations between Egypt and Israel, particularly in terms of security and political cooperation?

A: The war in Gaza has significantly impacted the relationship between Egypt and Israel on all levels, including security and political cooperation, since October 7, 2023. There have been mutual military provocations along the border due to the pressure of the war, leading to a decline in security and political coordination between the two countries. Egypt has even hinted that Israel’s stance threatens the continuation of the peace treaty between Cairo and Tel Aviv.

The tension between Cairo and Tel Aviv is a clear result of Israel’s obstinate position regarding the continuation of the war in Gaza and its attempts to drag Egypt into the conflict. Despite Egypt’s steadfast call for peace and stability in the region, the current developments and Trump’s proposal to displace Palestinians have sharpened Egypt’s stance against both Trump and Israel. Egyptian officials have made clear statements to American media, asserting that Cairo will not remain silent in the face of Trump and Israel’s plans and will intervene strongly on the ground if these plans are implemented.

Q: What role do Palestinian groups, such as Hamas, play in Egypt’s internal politics and how do they affect relations with the Egyptian government?

A: Palestinian groups do not play a role in Egypt’s internal politics nor do they affect relations with the Egyptian government. On the contrary, they maintain strong ties with Egypt. Regardless of any past disagreements, Cairo remains the primary sponsor and guarantor of coordination with Palestinian factions on various issues aimed at achieving peace and promoting patience and wisdom. Egypt hosts meetings of Palestinian groups and facilitates coordination among different factions. The relationship is robust, based on continuous cooperation and coordination, rather than influencing Egypt’s internal politics.

Q: How has the crisis in Gaza impacted Egypt’s political dynamics regarding its neighbors, especially Libya?

A: The Gaza crisis is the most significant crisis in the Middle East and the most critical conflict for Egypt, which shares borders with the Gaza Strip and Israel. Therefore, it is natural that the Gaza crisis, which has persisted for 15 months, strongly influences Egypt’s political dynamics and its external positions regarding other conflicts, including those in Libya and Sudan. Regarding Libya specifically, the situation remains unchanged. The internal division between the eastern and western camps in Libya persists, and efforts to reach an agreement to hold elections and unify the state have failed, despite Egypt’s ongoing efforts and coordination with Haftar’s camp. This is happening alongside the rapprochement in Egyptian-Turkish relations, which now aim to find a solution to the Libyan crisis.

Q: Are there concerns in Egypt about a possible increase in Palestinian refugees within its territory due to the tensions in the region?

A: It is important to clarify that Cairo will not accept the idea of displacing Palestinians from their land, whether to Egypt or any other place. However, Egypt does have concerns about the general increase in the number of refugees, not just Palestinians. As we know, Egypt hosts over 9 million refugees, which places a significant burden on the country. Egypt is currently experiencing economic instability, and the refugee crisis adds to the government’s challenges. Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty has confirmed that Cairo is under considerable pressure due to the number of refugees and fears the exacerbation of this crisis. Egypt is continuously working to address this issue.

Q: How is Egypt managing its relationship with Ethiopia in the context of the dispute over the GERD dam and its impact on water resources?

A: Egypt has a historical and legal right to the waters of the Nile, which Ethiopia has been attempting to undermine for the past decade through the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam project, under the guise of development. This project is not free from external interventions that support Addis Ababa against Cairo. However, Egypt has been managing the crisis with wisdom and diplomatic prudence at both bilateral and international levels. This does not mean that Cairo will relinquish its legitimate water rights. There have been hints of the potential use of force if all solutions fail, as Egypt will not compromise on a single drop of water. This issue is escalating alongside complex regional dynamics and external pressures, with reports suggesting a U.S. desire to link the displacement of Palestinians with resolving the dam crisis. However, this is mere nonsense. We recall that Trump, who failed to resolve the crisis during his first term due to Ethiopian obstinacy, will not resolve it now. There remains hope for resolving this crisis through the BRICS bloc, which includes Egypt and Ethiopia and seeks to amicably resolve internal disputes among member states.

Q: What measures is Egypt taking to balance its diplomatic position with Israel and the defense of Palestinian rights?

A: Egypt adopts a clear strategy of advocating for just peace in the region through diligent diplomatic efforts at the international level. It continues to uphold the peace treaty with Israel and maintain diplomatic relations while not abandoning the rights of the Palestinian people. Egypt persistently defends these rights and rejects any form of displacement, occasionally hinting at the use of force as an additional deterrent against ongoing Israeli provocations. Egypt is currently countering Israel’s obstinate stance through efforts to resolve the crisis, such as the recent ceasefire agreement in Gaza and calls in international forums for peaceful solutions to the conflict. Egypt also exerts pressure on Israel, with the peace treaty remaining a trump card for Cairo, as Israel is well aware of the importance of peace with Egypt and would not risk jeopardizing the treaty.

How do Egyptian analysts view the influence of external powers, such as the United States, on the stability of the region and on decisions regarding Gaza and its implications for Egypt?

The United States is the primary driver of the situation in the Middle East, but unfortunately, it consistently sides with Israel. Consequently, all its efforts serve Israel’s interests and ensure its survival, while also advancing U.S. interests through its support for Tel Aviv. The U.S. holds the most significant influence regarding the Gaza situation and could have ended this conflict decades ago if it had ceased its support for Israel. This naturally reflects negatively on Egypt, especially as the U.S. attempts to counter emerging international powers, particularly Russia, which has strong ties with Egypt. The U.S. aims to remain the sole dominant power in the Middle East.