Egypt’s Diplomatic Role in Addressing the Israel-Hamas Conflict
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi makes a point during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Cairo, Egypt, Oct. 25, 2023. Photo: AP Photo/Christophe Ena, Pool
As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, the spotlight has shifted towards Egypt, a country historically significant to the Gaza Strip. While Egypt has had a tumultuous relationship with both Israel and Hamas, it is a key player in addressing the ongoing conflict.
Egypt's recent history with Hamas is complicated. Egypt has enforced the blockade of Gaza alongside Israel to prevent the spread of Hamas’ influence. The current Egyptian government, led by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, holds a hostile stance towards Hamas, which has roots in the banned Muslim Brotherhood movement in Egypt. On the other hand, Egypt has extended diplomacy with Hamas in the past, particularly when Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007. Egypt acted as an intermediary, facilitating prisoner exchanges and ceasefire negotiations.
Presently, Egypt possesses significant leverage in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict: it has control over the Rafah crossing, the sole official entry point into Gaza not managed by Israel. This crossing is vital for delivering international aid to Gaza, especially as the region grapples with a severe humanitarian crisis. Rafah is expected to serve as the exit point for Americans and other foreign nationals evacuating the Gaza Strip as well.
However, negotiations between Egypt and Israel to open the Rafah border crossing have failed at the time of writing. According to Egypt, its calls for Israel to cooperate in opening the crossing at Rafah to allow humanitarian aid to enter have gone largely unheeded. Only 84 truckloads of medicine and food have entered Gaza since the fighting began, says the Egyptian Red Cross. Egypt has also been resistant to opening its borders in fear that a massive refugee influx into its Sinai Peninsula raises threats from militant groups attempting to operate in Egypt.
President Sisi expressed rejection of the transfer of Palestinians to Sinai, as it would create a security problem in the peninsula and turn it into a launch site for “terror attacks.” He stated: “If there is an intention for forceful relocation, there is the Negev Desert in Israel. It is very possible to transfer the Palestinians there, until Israel accomplishes its stated mission to liquidate the resistance, or the armed groups, Hamas, the Islamic Jihad, and others in the Gaza Strip. After that, it can return them if it wants,” according to the Arab Reform Initiative.
Sen. Bob Menendez and his wife, Nadine Menendez, leave federal court on Sept. 27, 2023. Photo: AP Photo/Seth Wenig
Egypt's role in resolving the Israel-Hamas conflict faces several diplomatic and political challenges with the United States. The US, while relying on Egypt's mediation, has been cautious due to human rights concerns and pressure from some members of Congress to reduce aid. In 2023, the Biden administration approved a $235 military aid package to Egypt. However, an indictment against New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez alleging Egyptian intelligence's involvement in corrupt practices further strains Washington's relations with Cairo. The US is Egypt’s largest donor, and it remains uncertain how the US’s ability to withhold aid will influence Egypt’s concessions in mediating the Israel-Hamas conflict.