A return to stability for Gaza and the West bank or any semblance of normality for the Palestinians remains elusive. Egypt, Palestine and the Zionist colonial entity’s only large neighbour to the east, is being side lined – or rather elbowed aside – by the Israelis in the collapsing Gaza negotiations. The government of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi now fears that a major Israeli assault on the enclave could force the Palestinians of Gaza to breach the Sinai border and trigger chaos. These were the fears expressed by Egyptian intelligence sources as they reported to the Middle East Eye. Correspondence between Egypt and Israel has been cut off with no progress in talks to secure a truce in Gaza, one senior intelligence official said.
“Repeated Egyptian intelligence missions to Israel recently returned home empty-handed. The last delegation received no clear or positive responses, only hollow promises to reply to Washington’s latest peace proposal,” the source told MEE. “Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is determined to invade, destroy and occupy Gaza.”Top of FormBottom of Form Hamas this week accepted the latest ceasefire proposal, but Israel has rejected it – despite reportedly signing off on it in the first place. Some Israeli allies have attempted to lay the blame for the impasse on Hamas’ recent successful attacks on soldiers. However, Egyptian sources say these were not a major factor. “Even before the Hamas operations, it was clear from the latest visits of Egyptian security delegations that the Israeli side was never serious about pursuing a ceasefire or dealing with the issue with the gravity it deserves,” the source said.
Egyptian and Qatari intelligence officials have repeatedly pressed the US to support a truce, allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and secure the release of captives held by Hamas. “But there has been no response, as Washington has given its full blessing to every Israeli move,” the source said.
The Zionist colonial project under Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu has taken its worse form possible. Netanyahu, his inner circle and the Israeli military have closed ranks to perpetuate slaughter. El Sisi, his ministers and advisors and military personal are in the worse position possible. The Israelis have closed their ears to them, not caring that Egypt in the long run will bear the brunt of their actions as regards the creation of a refugee exodus and crisis from Gaza. Yes, even now the Egyptians themselves are admitting that the Israelis are committing genocide. From this Netanyahu is sending a very clear message both to Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world that he no longer cares for the safety and wellbeing of the hostages. The United States under President Donald Trump remains steadfast not caring about the viciousness of the Zionist hound it has allowed free range.
A truce can only happen when Washington consents to terminating its support in terms of arms, ammunition, military equipment and financial aid to Netanyahu’s regime and the Israeli Defence Force. But Trump has now proven himself compliant in the genocide and destruction of infrastructure by continuing to supply the Israelis. The future of any peace settlement is bleak. Meanwhile Egypt is drawing closer to large powerful socialist China for investment.
For Egypt, Turkey and Iran, this year’s SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) summit was less about security coordination and more about securing investment and political backing.
Egypt: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly secured Chinese pledges of more than $1 billion in investment for renewable energy and water desalination projects. Egypt’s government wants renewables to reach 42% of energy production by 2030 and is racing to expand desalination capacity, positioning China (also its largest trading partner) at the center of these goals.
For some Middle Eastern states, SCO engagement is less about security guarantees (unlike NATO, for example) and more about economic and diplomatic positioning. Egypt is using its engagement with China to diversify its economic and strategic partnerships. Beyond securing investments in renewable energy and water infrastructure, Cairo sees Beijing as a partner for financing large-scale development and expanding Egypt’s regional influence even as it continues to rely heavily on the United States for military aid, of which it receives $1.3 billion annually, and security cooperation. Turkey used the SCO gathering to deepen economic ties with Beijing while continuing its balancing act between East and West. Turkey’s ambition to become a full member of the SCO — as expressed by Erdogan in 2022 — reflects a desire to diversify Turkey’s partnerships even as it has long vied to join the EU and is a NATO member.
Egypt is desperate for aid and has had to turn to alternative sources since Washington DC gave them the cold shoulder. $ 1 billion in investment in renewable energy projects and desalination water projects indicates Cairo wants to increase its out put in sustainable energy and fresh water. Beijing wants to improve the reach and access of its One Belt One Road Trade Initiative, particularly where Africa is concerned. Egypt is one of the outlets.
The SCO offers a platform where developing nations – especially those that have been treated badly by the US – are given a voice. The Egyptians and El Sisi are looking to industrialize and grow their crippled economy. Tourism was a major industry. Now El-Sisi sees Beijing as a reasonable partner for trade and strategic interest to improve Egypt’s standing in terms of business and defence across the middle East and Africa. Beijing has even contributed financially to Egypt’s New Administrative Capital (NAC) to the north east of Cairo. The US still has its position in terms of leverage in the region but current events such as the war in Gaza and Trump’s reluctance to call a truce have caused a distance between Cairo and Washington. Türkiye a onetime rival to Egypt is now joining El-Sisi’s precarious regime in strengthening ties with the Chinese.
As far as Gaza is concerned in the long run, the risk of a new insurgency against Israel could be on the rise following the perpetuation of genocide. Netanyahu may be digging his own grave and his state’s demise in long run, depending on how this goes down.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
