Trump Hails Sisi’s Leadership on Gaza Ceasefire, Pledges Mediation on Nile Water Dispute

U.S. President Donald Trump sent a letter of appreciation to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt, praising his successful leadership in mediating between Israel and Hamas, which led to a ceasefire in Gaza. 

President Trump expressed his deep appreciation for Egypt’s pivotal role and for the strong and distinguished relations between the two countries.

The text of the letter follows:

THE WHITE HOUSE

Washington

January 16, 2026

His Excellency

Abdel Fattah El-Sisi

President of the

Arab Republic of Egypt

Cairo

Dear President El-Sisi,

I thank you for your leadership in successfully mediating a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. I recognize and admire your steady role in managing the many security and humanitarian challenges that have faced this region, and your own people, since October 7, 2023. This war has weighed heavily on Egyptians, not just their neighbors, in Israel and Gaza.

In the spirit of our personal friendship and America’s commitment to peace and the well-being of Egypt’s people, I am ready to restart U.S. mediation between Egypt and Ethiopia to responsibly resolve the question of the “Nile Water Sharing” once and for all. My team and I understand the deep significance of the Nile River to Egypt and its people, and I want to help you achieve an outcome that assures the water needs of Egypt, the Republic of the Sudan, and Ethiopia, long into the future. The United States affirms that no state in this region should unilaterally control the precious resources of the Nile, and disadvantage its neighbors in the process.

I believe that with the right technical expertise, fair and transparent negotiations, and a strong United States role in monitoring and coordination between parties, we can achieve a lasting agreement for all Nile Basin Nations. A successful approach will guarantee predictable water releases during droughts and prolonged dry years for Egypt and the Sudan, while allowing Ethiopia to generate very substantial amounts of electricity, perhaps some of which can be given, or sold, to Egypt and/or the Sudan.

With my best wishes,

Donald J. Trump

President of the United States of America