Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi declared on Saturday that there will be "no popular normalization" with Israel unless a just peace is achieved, ending the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and establishing an independent Palestinian state. Speaking at the inauguration of the State Strategic Command headquarters in Egypt's New Administrative Capital east of Cairo, Sisi emphasized that lasting peace and true stability depend on ending injustice and aggression.
Sisi's Conditions for Normalization
According to a statement from the Egyptian presidency, Sisi said: "There will be no lasting peace, no true stability, and no popular normalization except with a just peace that ends the occupation, puts an end to injustice and aggression, restores rights to their rightful owners, and provides security for all." He added that such a peace would offer the peoples of the region "an opportunity to live in stability and prosperity."
Support for Ceasefire and Iran-US Deal
Sisi also called for support for the Gaza ceasefire, which took effect in October 2025, and for a recent framework deal between Iran and the US to end their conflict. He urged preventing any attempts to undermine these agreements. Egypt has historically played a key role in mediating between Israel and Palestinian factions.
New Strategic Command
Regarding the newly inaugurated State Strategic Command, Sisi described it as a major advancement in Egypt's command-and-control and operational management capabilities. The facility incorporates advanced technological infrastructure, secure communications systems, intelligence-gathering and analysis capabilities, and an integrated framework linking political and military leadership. "The command is not only responsible for managing military situations but also serves as a cornerstone of the state's ability to confront challenges and exceptional circumstances," he added.
