President, Spain’s king warn Palestinian displacement could have serious impact on Europe

CAIRO – 17 September 2025: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and King Felipe VI of Spain emphasized the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of captives and detainees, while warning of the consequences of Palestinian displacement plans.

During their meeting in Cairo, President Sisi and King Felipe called for unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and the de-escalation of tensions across the region.

They stressed the importance of halting regional escalation and preserving the peace that has prevailed in the region since the 1970s.

 

Serious Consequences for Europe

President Sisi and King Felipe reaffirmed their unequivocal rejection of any attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their land, warning that such actions would liquidate the Palestinian cause, constitute an act of aggression, and pose a threat to the security of neighboring states.

They also highlighted the serious consequences of such displacement, including the potential for unprecedented waves of displacement and irregular migration toward Europe.

The two sides also firmly condemned Israel’s illegal practices in the West Bank, including settlement expansion and any threats to annex Palestinian land, stressing that such actions represent a flagrant violation of international law.

Israel has floated a plan to expel Palestinians from besieged Gaza via sea and air starting in October despite international condemnation.

Since the war erupted in October 2023, Egypt has repeatedly rejected US-Israeli schemes to displace Palestinians from Gaza toward the Egyptian territory.

Egypt reaffirmed in August that it will not participate in the displacement of Palestinians, viewing it as "a historical injustice that has no moral or legal justification" and will lead to "the liquidation of the Palestinian cause."

Cairo also called for nations to “refrain from complicity in this immoral crime,” which constitutes “both a war crime and an act of ethnic cleansing.”

Israel has defied calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and, instead, has stepped up its operations, starting a ground offensive in the densely populated Gaza City, evacuating residents, flattening high-rise buildings and hospitals, and obstructing aid deliveries to the famine-stricken city.

During the meeting, the king listened to a detailed briefing from the president on Egypt’s intensive efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, as well as an assessment of the situation in the region, particularly in light of the recent Israeli escalation.

During the meeting with Sisi, the Spanish king commended Egypt’s efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and the plan for Gaza reconstruction, prepared by Egypt and supported by the Arab and Islamic nations earlier this year.

Supporting Two-State Solution

The talks also covered developments in regional and international affairs.

President Sisi expressed his appreciation for Spain’s supportive positions on achieving a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.

He commended Spain’s recognition of the State of Palestine and its vote in favor of the New York Declaration on the Two-State Solution at the UN General Assembly.

These steps, Sisi noted, reflect Madrid’s commitment to the two-state solution and uphold the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

"I would like to express my deep appreciation for Spain’s historic stance in supporting the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to establish their state, and for Spain’s recognition of the State of Palestine at a critical and sensitive time,” President Sisi as he and the first lady hosted an official luncheon in honor of the king and queen, attended by members of both delegations.

 

“Spain was among the first countries to take the initiative, following the outbreak of the war in Gaza, by adopting this just decision, which stands on the right side of history.”

“Spain’s support for a just and comprehensive peace in the region reflects its commitment to the principles of morality, justice, and rights.”

The president commended Spain for fully understanding the magnitude of the challenge now facing the Palestinian cause, and the direct threat to the political prospects for resolving this cause through the two-state solution.

Sisi underlined the suffering Gaza endures from “the horrors of war and the unimaginable humanitarian disaster that has befallen the strip.”

Ukraine War

The meeting also included an exchange of views on a number of regional and international crises, including the war in Ukraine.

They stressed the importance of political and peaceful solutions that uphold the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and resources of states.

The two leaders agreed to continue coordination and consultation on issues of mutual concern, both at the bilateral level and within regional and international multilateral forums.

Boosting Egypt-Spain Ties

A formal reception ceremony was held on Wednesday as the president and First Lady Entissar Amer welcomed King Felipe and Queen Letizia at Al-Ittihadiya Presidential Palace on Tuesday.

 

The king’s four-day trip commenced on Tuesday, marking the first-ever state visit by a Spanish monarch to Egypt.

The ceremony included a cavalry escort, the playing of national anthems of both countries, an inspection of the honor guard, a 21-gun salute, and a commemorative photo of the two heads of state and their spouses.

The ceremony was followed by a one-on-one meeting between President Sisi and King Felipe, then expanded to a broader session of talks that included senior officials from both sides.

Sisi opened the meeting by warmly welcoming King Felipe on the first visit by a senior Spanish official since the two countries upgraded their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership during Sisi’s visit to Spain in February 2025.

 

For his part, King Felipe expressed deep appreciation for the visit and praised Egypt’s prominent regional and international role, as well as its rich civilizational heritage that has left a lasting impact on humanity.

The talks focused on ways to strengthen the distinguished bilateral relations between Egypt and Spain, especially in economic, investment, tourism, cultural, and educational sectors.

The president and the king emphasized the importance of building on the current momentum in the relationship to further expand cooperation in various areas.

Discussions also covered mechanisms to boost trade exchange and transport cooperation, as well as exploring new opportunities for joint efforts in the field of antiquities and heritage preservation.

Exchanging Highest Honors

During the reception, President Sisi and the first lady exchanged honors with King Felipe and Queen Letizia.

The exchange reflects the deep, strategic, and longstanding ties between the two friendly nations, and underscores their shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations across various fields.

Earlier today, King Felipe and Queen Letizia took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Unknown Soldier Memorial in Nasr City district.

The pyramid-shaped monument was constructed during the era of late President Anwar Sadat in 1974 in honor of the Egyptian and Arab heroes who lost their lives during the 6th of October, 1973 War against Israel.