Egypt welcomes EU ‘positive steps’ toward Palestinian cause

CAIRO – 22 May 2025: Egypt welcomed the significant development in the stance of international actors, particularly their complete rejection of the heinous Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip, the use of brutal force against the innocent and defenseless civilians there, and the accompanying implementation of a starvation policy unprecedented in international conflicts. 

This change in international stance has been resulted in the recent positive steps, including the tripartite statement by the leaders of France, the United Kingdom, and Canada; and the European decision to review Israel's compliance with Article 2 of the Association Agreement with the European Union, which organizes the EU-Israeli trade ties.

Egypt welcomed the steps taken toward joint recognition of the Palestinian state. Egypt considers that these steps reflect a sound commitment and well-deserved support from the international community for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, of which they have been unjustly deprived for decades. 

“This represents the nucleus of a broader international movement required to correct the situation and put an end to the long history of Israeli violations against the Palestinian people,” Egypt said in a statement on Thursday.

Egypt voiced its utter support for these steps and looks forward to taking further steps to stop the Israeli war on Gaza. Egypt also encouraged other countries to support this movement to strengthen the credibility of the rules-based international order and to consolidate the universality of the principles of international humanitarian law.

Egypt affirmed its continued efforts in various forums and with all regional and international partners to address the root causes of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, namely Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories and the denial of the Palestinian people's legitimate rights. 

“This will ensure the fulfillment of their aspirations, most notably their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.” 

Reiterating its long-standing position, Egypt emphasized that implementing the two-state solution is the only way to restore stability and security and achieve lasting peace in the Middle East, and that coexistence, based on mutual respect and equal rights, is the best path for the region to embark on new horizons of prosperity and integration.

On May 21, the leaders of France, the UK, and Canada said that they will adopt “punitive” measures against Israel if the latter did not stop its war against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. They also condemned the language used by some Israeli cabinet members, and announced their support for the recognition of a Palestinian state.

On the same day, the Israeli occupation army opened fire at a delegation of regional, European, and Western diplomats visiting the West Bank city of Jenin. Consequently, the French Foreign Ministry summoned the Israeli ambassador in Paris.