Egypt calls for dialogue, rejects Palestinian displacement during Martyrs’ Day event

CAIRO - 9 March 2026: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi reaffirmed Cairo’s call for an end to regional conflicts and stressed the need for dialogue as the only path toward stability, while reiterating Egypt’s firm rejection of any attempts to displace Palestinians from their land.

Speaking during the 43rd educational symposium organized by the Egyptian Armed Forces to mark Martyrs’ Day, El-Sisi emphasized that Egypt continues to advocate peaceful solutions to ongoing conflicts in the region. The event was held at the Al Manara International Conference Center and attended by senior government officials and military leaders, including Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and a number of ministers and commanders of the armed forces.

The symposium forms part of Egypt’s annual commemoration honoring soldiers who lost their lives in defense of the country, as well as veterans who served in military operations. During the event, the president honored families of fallen soldiers and wounded service members.

In his address, El-Sisi described Martyrs’ Day as a moment of national remembrance and gratitude for those who sacrificed their lives to defend Egypt’s sovereignty and protect its stability. He stressed that the sacrifices of Egypt’s martyrs continue to inspire the country’s efforts to strengthen national unity and pursue development.

Turning to regional developments, the president warned that the Middle East is facing a critical and sensitive period marked by ongoing conflicts that carry serious humanitarian, economic, and security consequences. He said Egypt condemns attacks against Arab countries and calls for giving diplomacy a chance to end hostilities through negotiations and mutual understanding.

The president also reiterated Egypt’s longstanding position on the Palestinian issue, describing it as the core of the Middle East conflict. He emphasized that lasting peace cannot be achieved without justice and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also stressed that Egypt categorically rejects any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians, describing such actions as a “red line” that Egypt will not allow to be crossed.

El-Sisi also addressed developments related to the Gaza conflict, noting that the ceasefire agreement reached within the framework of an initiative by US President Donald Trump represented a significant moment in the crisis. He stressed the importance of maintaining the ceasefire, preventing any attempts to undermine it, accelerating the delivery of humanitarian aid, and beginning the reconstruction of Gaza while advancing a political process aimed at establishing a Palestinian state.

The president further warned against attempts to ignite tensions in the Nile Basin and the Horn of Africa, describing such efforts as extremely dangerous and capable of destabilizing the entire region. Egypt, he said, remains committed to cooperation and integration with neighboring countries but will not allow the region to be dragged into unnecessary conflicts.

On the economic front, El-Sisi stated that despite global and regional challenges, Egypt’s economy remains stable and within what he described as a “safe zone,” citing assessments from international institutions. However, he acknowledged that regional conflicts have had economic consequences, particularly the war in Gaza, which has resulted in losses approaching $10 billion in revenues from the Suez Canal since October 2023, in addition to other direct and indirect impacts.

He concluded by praising the resilience and unity of the Egyptian people, emphasizing that national solidarity and awareness remain the country’s greatest strengths as Egypt continues its efforts to develop human resources, empower talented youth, and advance toward greater economic and social progress.