Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has reiterated Cairo's longstanding position that a durable peace in the Middle East is impossible without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Speaking at the inauguration of Egypt's new Strategic Command Headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, el-Sisi linked normalisation of ties with Israel to an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories.
“There can be no lasting peace, no true stability and no popular normalisation without 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,” el-Sisi said on Saturday. He called for a comprehensive settlement based on international law, with East Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state.
Regional Stability and Ceasefire Implementation
The Egyptian leader argued that such a resolution would allow the region to move towards greater stability, cooperation and prosperity. He urged full implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and the US-Iran framework deal, warning against any attempts to undermine either accord. El-Sisi thanked US President Donald Trump for his role in securing both agreements and noted Egypt's efforts to contain regional escalation.
El-Sisi's remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilise the region. In parallel, Cyprus has hosted talks on post-war Gaza governance, described as “highly productive” by the Palestinian Committee. The European Union has also deepened ties with the South Caucasus, as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Baku to discuss energy and peace initiatives.
The Octagon: A New Command Centre
The inauguration of the Octagon—named for its eight interconnected octagonal buildings representing the eight branches of the Egyptian army—marks a significant upgrade in Egypt's military infrastructure. Officials describe it as the largest military headquarters in the world, integrating command, crisis management and secure communications to enhance coordination during emergencies.
Defence Minister Lieutenant General Ashraf Salem Zaher and Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Ahmed Khalifa attended the ceremony. El-Sisi described the facility as a major step forward in Egypt's command and operational capabilities.
While the Octagon underscores Egypt's military modernisation, el-Sisi's political message was clear: without a Palestinian state, the region will not achieve lasting peace. This stance aligns with broader European positions, as the EU continues to support a two-state solution and has pushed for progress in Serbia's EU accession talks, reflecting the bloc's commitment to stability in its neighbourhood.
