Who Governs Gaza?

Amid the accelerating developments sweeping the Middle East, particularly the Palestinian file, which is experiencing one of its most dangerous historical turning points in decades, Egypt emerges as an indispensable pivotal state and an irreplaceable regional power. Cairo’s management of the current crisis — from Gaza to international diplomatic tracks, while safeguarding its southern, eastern, and western borders — is not an emotional reaction but a rational and measured policy marked by steadiness and wisdom. It is rooted in a deep understanding of the complexity of the situation, a long historical experience in dealing with the Arab-Israeli conflict, and a precise and unwavering commitment to Egyptian national security above all else.

Recent talk about Israel opening the Rafah border crossing from its side and Egypt’s refusal to receive Palestinians has been mischaracterized. This refusal was neither a temporary political maneuver nor a random rejection. It was a strategic decision embedded in Egypt’s national doctrine, aimed at thwarting far-reaching plans. Cairo’s insistence that the crossing be opened only under Palestinian administration and without any direct or indirect Israeli control stems from a profound awareness of the dangers of the displacement scenario long promoted by Israel’s far-right factions.

Egypt’s firm and repeatedly stated position, articulated clearly by its leadership, is that Sinai is a red line. Any attempt to push Palestinians off their land into Sinai constitutes a liquidation of the Palestinian cause at the expense of Egypt’s national security and would destabilize the entire region. Egypt’s stance is not merely a defense of its own interests; it is a principled position grounded in humanitarian values and a commitment to protecting the future of the Palestinian cause from eradication. This has placed Egypt in an unassailable moral and legal position. Egypt has succeeded in transforming its refusal into effective international pressure, leading the global community to adopt its position rejecting displacement and preserving the existing status of border crossings.

As for media reports suggesting US efforts to broker a meeting between President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, these claims are also unfounded. There has been no official Egyptian statement on the matter. Egypt respects its formal relations with all states, but presidential-level meetings are subject to the Egyptian state’s careful assessment of their benefit to national security, national interests, and Egypt’s positions on current issues.

If such meetings were ever proposed, their purpose would be to clearly and unequivocally reaffirm Egypt’s red lines: a ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid, and the absolute rejection of displacement. This message is directed at those who seek to exploit confusion and spread misinformation on social media. Egypt is using its weight, history, and diplomatic channels to act as a voice of reason and a safety valve preventing the region from sliding into a devastating regional war. This explains the intensive diplomatic activity of Egypt’s leadership and foreign minister with major powers and global decision-makers.

Regarding claims about Egypt administering Gaza, the foreign minister has decisively closed the door on such speculation, affirming that Egypt will not govern the Gaza Strip and that governance belongs exclusively to the Palestinians under the umbrella of national legitimacy.

This position is a cornerstone of Egypt’s vision for resolving the conflict. Egypt, which has borne the burden of the Palestinian cause for decades, rejects any return to trusteeship scenarios or responsibility for governing Gaza — not out of evasion, but from the conviction that Palestinian dignity and self-determination can only be realized through a unified national authority.

Any external administration of Gaza would serve to liquidate the Palestinian cause and absolve the occupying power of its responsibilities, benefiting parties that oppose a just solution. Therefore, Palestinian unity is essential, along with a strong push for national reconciliation and the return of the Palestinian National Authority to govern Gaza within a comprehensive vision for a lasting solution, free from fragmentation. Any temporary administration must be a step toward the ultimate goal: establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy.

In light of all this, one undeniable truth stands out: Egypt is managing the crisis with a strategic mindset immune to noise and emotional reactions. Experience has taught us that sound strategy relies on patience, adherence to principles, knowing when to speak firmly — as in the displacement issue — and when to act quietly behind the scenes — as in mediation and de-escalation efforts.

Today, under its wise leadership, Egypt proves it is not merely a geographic state in regional politics, but the pillar of the Arab tent and the architect of regional balance — protecting, defending, and planning for the future with clear vision, unwaveringly guided by national interest and national security.

Through its prudent policies and wise management of regional developments, and its comprehensive protection of national security across all fronts, Egypt remains a decision-maker and a driver of events, not merely a recipient. This is the authentic Egyptian national character — rooted in history and looking ahead to a safe and stable future for its people and the region as a whole.

God protect the army.

God protect the nation.