El-Sisi US CENTCOM chief discuss Gaza ceasefire and stability

Photo:Reuters

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has reaffirmed his country’s firm commitment to playing an active role in bringing peace to the Middle East. On Monday, he met Admiral Brad Cooper, the Commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), at the Al-Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo. The high-level meeting came at a sensitive moment for the region, as the Gaza conflict continues to cause loss of life and deepen political tensions.

Egypt’s Mediation Role in Gaza

During the talks, President El-Sisi stressed that Egypt will continue to intensify its diplomatic efforts to calm the situation and prevent further escalation. He explained that Egypt, alongside the United States and Qatar, is working on mediation efforts that aim to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

The President highlighted three urgent priorities:

1. Stopping the fighting quickly through a ceasefire.

2. Releasing hostages and captives, which remains a sensitive humanitarian and political issue.

3. Delivering humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, where living conditions are worsening every day due to shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.

President El-Sisi made it clear that Egypt sees these goals as the necessary first steps to revive the political process and eventually build a fair and lasting peace in the Middle East.

Humanitarian Concerns

The Egyptian leader pointed out that ordinary civilians are paying the highest price in the conflict. He said Egypt cannot stand by while families face hunger, children lack medicine, and hospitals struggle to function under pressure. According to Egyptian officials, aid convoys through the Rafah crossing remain one of the few lifelines for the people of Gaza, and Cairo is pushing for smoother access for humanitarian supplies.

Political Path Toward Peace

Beyond the immediate ceasefire, El-Sisi underlined that Egypt is seeking to bring all sides back to the negotiating table. He argued that only through political dialogue can there be a long-term solution that addresses the core issues behind the conflict. Egypt’s strategy is not only to stop violence but to make sure peace can last, offering security to both Palestinians and Israelis while protecting the stability of neighboring countries.

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Strong Egypt–US Relations

The meeting also highlighted the strength of Egyptian–American ties. President El-Sisi described the partnership as “strategic,” meaning that it goes beyond short-term cooperation and reflects long-standing trust and shared interests. He specifically pointed to the upcoming “Bright Star 2025” military exercises as proof of this close defense relationship.

Bright Star, which began in the 1980s, is one of the largest joint military exercises in the world, bringing together thousands of soldiers from Egypt, the United States, and partner countries. The 2025 edition will focus on modern warfare strategies, counter-terrorism, and improving readiness for joint operations. El-Sisi said this exercise is vital for preparing both nations to face new security challenges and for maintaining a stable balance of power in the region.

US Perspective and Regional Security

Admiral Brad Cooper, representing CENTCOM, praised Egypt’s role as a regional stabilizer. He acknowledged that Egypt’s position at the crossroads of the Middle East, Africa, and the Mediterranean gives it unique influence. Both sides agreed that the situation in Gaza, if left unchecked, could spread instability to neighboring areas.

The United States emphasized that it sees Egypt not just as a military ally but also as a diplomatic partner whose mediation efforts are trusted by many international players. Washington and Cairo pledged to continue working closely to reduce tensions and to develop long-term strategies for security and peace.

Broader Middle East Challenges

The talks also touched on wider regional security threats, including the risk of conflicts spilling over into other countries, the spread of extremist groups, and the disruption of trade routes that are essential for the global economy. Both Egypt and the United States agreed that cooperation is more important than ever to prevent new crises.

Egypt has often played the role of mediator in regional conflicts, especially between Israel and Palestinian groups. In past years, Cairo has hosted negotiations, brokered temporary ceasefires, and coordinated with international partners to send humanitarian aid. This long track record gives Egypt credibility as a peacemaker.

A Central Role for Egypt

The meeting between President El-Sisi and Admiral Cooper highlighted how Egypt is balancing two roles at the same time:

* A mediator for peace – working with the United States, Qatar, and other countries to stop violence and restart political dialogue.

* A security partner – engaging in military exercises and defense cooperation with the United States to strengthen regional stability.

This balance makes Egypt a central player in shaping the future of the Middle East. While the Gaza conflict continues to be a major challenge, Egypt is determined to keep pushing for solutions that reduce suffering and open the door to peace.

Looking Ahead

Observers say the coming weeks will be crucial. The success of mediation efforts could decide whether Gaza sees relief from fighting or sinks deeper into crisis. At the same time, the “Bright Star 2025” exercises are expected to send a strong signal of unity and readiness between Egypt and the United States.

For Cairo, the stakes are high. Peace in Gaza is not only about helping its neighbor but also about protecting Egypt’s own security and reputation as a regional leader. For Washington, cooperation with Egypt remains essential to its broader Middle East strategy.