The article discusses Egypt’s evolving role in the Palestinian issue since 1978, especially after the 2013 coup. As the Gulf states strengthen their influence, concerns grow around Egypt’s alignment with these interests, potentially leading to the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. This shift could endanger Egypt’s national identity and stability, necessitating cautious navigation of regional interests by Sisi’s government.
Since the Camp David Accords in 1978, Egypt has been a central player in the Palestinian issue, providing Arab representation for the Palestinian cause. However, following the military coup in 2013, Egypt’s influence has waned as the country faced economic hardship, allowing Gulf states to emerge as crucial actors in the region.
Post-coup, Egypt under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has shifted its foreign policy priorities, aligning them with Gulf interests, particularly those of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. This realignment was evident when Egypt ceded strategic islands to Saudi Arabia for support, marking a significant change in Egypt’s national security approach.
The Gulf states, perceiving Islamist movements as threats, have expanded their role within Palestinian matters, seeking to isolate Hamas, which Egypt views as linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. Following the recent Hamas attack on Israel, Egyptian and Gulf interests converged to eliminate Hamas, fearing its survival could inspire further resistance throughout the Arab world.
In response to the growing regional tensions, Egypt has tightened its grip on the Rafah border crossing to suffocate Gaza, complicating the situation further. Sisi aims to reshape the governance of Gaza, potentially favoring the Palestinian Authority to replace Hamas while contemplating a broader geopolitical reconfiguration in the region.
The shift of power dynamics comes amid revived U.S. political dialogues around solutions for Gaza, with worries about possible displacement of Palestinians into Egypt. While Sisi initially supported prior proposals for reorganization, the Egyptian military firmly rejects any displacement plan for fear of jeopardizing national security.
The centrality of Gaza in Egypt’s security strategy cannot be overstated; any attempt for mass displacement would not only complicate demographic issues but could also end Egypt’s historical role in the Palestinian struggle. The policies pursued by Cairo must carefully mitigate any threats to its regional standing, all while holding on to its influence.
Sisi’s political future beyond 2030 remains uncertain, leaning on Gulf support to extend his rule. Broadly, the Egyptian military must respond to political directives that may compromise its traditional security postures in favor of appeasing regional power dynamics, potentially leading to the establishment of buffer zones without recognizing these as permanent resolutions.
In summary, the implications of Gaza’s situation resonate beyond its borders, holding significance for Egypt’s geopolitics, security, and demographic stability, thus necessitating a careful, balanced engagement from Cairo within these evolving regional contexts.
In conclusion, Egypt’s evolving role in the Palestinian issue is marked by its diminished influence since the 2013 coup, with Gulf states increasingly filling the void as key players. Sisi’s alignment with Gulf interests has raised concerns regarding potential displacement of Palestinians, which poses significant risks to Egypt’s national identity and security. As such, Egypt must navigate these complex dynamics to maintain its position while safeguarding its national interests.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
