Egypt’s Sisi honours martyrs, urges dialogue amid Middle East violence
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Monday paid tribute to the sacrifices of Egyptian soldiers who died defending the nation while warning that escalating conflicts across the Middle East could carry “serious humanitarian, economic, and security consequences” for the region.
Speaking during the Martyrs’ and Veterans’ Day celebrations, which fall on 9 March each year, Sisi condemned attacks against Arab states and called for an immediate halt to hostilities, urging dialogue and negotiation to safeguard resources, protect civilians, and prevent further regional destabilisation.
“Our region is facing a decisive moment. The ongoing war will have serious humanitarian, economic, and security consequences.” Sisi said.
“Egypt condemns the aggression against our Arab brothers and calls for an opportunity to halt the war and pursue peaceful solutions. There can be no settlement without dialogue, no solution without negotiation, and no peace without understanding that safeguards security, preserves resources and protects civilians from the ravages of war.”
Turning to the Palestinian issue, Sisi reiterated Egypt’s longstanding position that there can be no peace without justice and no stability without an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. He firmly rejected any attempts to displace Palestinians, calling such actions a “red line” Egypt would not allow to be crossed.
He also urged the full implementation of the Gaza ceasefire, the swift delivery of humanitarian aid, and the reconstruction of the territory, while calling for a serious political process to establish a Palestinian state as the only path to lasting peace.
The Egyptian leader also warned of what he described as dangerous maneuvers in the Nile Basin and the Horn of Africa, cautioning that attempts to stir regional unrest could have unpredictable consequences and draw multiple countries into conflict.
“Despite the serious regional and international challenges, our economy remains in a safe zone, as confirmed by international institutions,” Sisi said. “We hope the current conflict does not have economic consequences for Egypt, as was the case in October 2023, when the Gaza war caused losses of nearly $10 billion in Suez Canal revenues, in addition to other direct and indirect impacts.”
Throughout the speech, Sisi praised the resilience, unity, and determination of the Egyptian people, describing them as the “true pillar” supporting the country’s development and the empowerment of future generations. He also urged citizens to instil in younger generations a sense of national responsibility and commitment to protecting the country, emphasising that commemorating Martyrs’ Day is not merely symbolic, but a renewed pledge to safeguard the nation for generations to come.
Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English