Egyptian ex-FM to Israel: If Gaza violence continues, Hamas continues | Conflict Zone

Summary

In this Conflict Zone interview, former Egyptian foreign minister Nabil Fahmy discusses the dire situation in Gaza, highlighting Egypt's humanitarian efforts and diplomatic challenges. Fahmy emphasizes the need for a two-state solution, rejects Israeli security control over Gaza, and calls for international support to resolve the conflict, stressing the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis and the potential for regional instability if a peaceful resolution is not found.

Takeaways

• 🌪️ The ongoing war in Gaza has resulted in a significant and escalating death toll among civilians, leading to a dire humanitarian situation.
• 🚨 Nabil Fahmy, former Egyptian foreign minister, emphasizes Egypt's reluctance to open its borders to Gazans due to political implications and concerns over indirectly supporting Israeli policies.
• 🏥 Egypt continues to provide medical assistance to Palestinians in need, but refuses to allow a large-scale influx of Palestinians for fear of playing into Israeli hands.
• 🔥 The interview highlights the challenging balance between addressing immediate humanitarian needs and upholding political and moral red lines.
• 🛫 Egypt has participated in airdrops of aid and is engaged in negotiations with Israelis and other countries to address the ongoing crisis.
• 🔄 The discussion touches on potential diplomatic efforts, including the possibility of a partial hostage exchange and temporary ceasefire to facilitate aid delivery.
• 🕊️ Fahmy advocates for a comprehensive peace deal that includes a ceasefire, security arrangements, recognition of a Palestinian state based on 1967 borders, and Arab-Israeli relations normalization.
• 🤝 The Arab group, including Egypt, is reportedly pushing a post-war plan that envisions a reformed Palestinian Authority and a path to a two-state solution.
• 🛠️ Fahmy rejects the idea of Egypt becoming a surrogate for Israeli security in Gaza, emphasizing the need for a Palestinian-led governance with international support.
• 🔄 The conversation suggests that any viable post-war scenario must involve a shift towards peace and a two-state solution, despite the current lack of readiness from both Israelis and Palestinians.
• ⏳ Fahmy does not foresee a short-term complete ending to the conflict, predicting cycles of temporary ceasefires and ongoing negotiations for a lasting peace.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the interview with Nabil Fahmy?

The main issue discussed is the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the humanitarian crisis, and Egypt's role and potential actions in response to the situation, including the possibility of opening its borders to Gazans on humanitarian grounds.

How does Nabil Fahmy view the potential opening of Egypt's border to Gazans?

Fahmy believes that opening the borders would be participating in Israel's effort to decrease the density of Palestinians on their own territory, which Egypt politically cannot support as they stand by the Palestinian state alongside Israel.

What measures is Egypt currently taking to assist Palestinians in need?

Egypt is taking in Palestinians who require medical supervision or help and has also conducted an airdrop of aid. They are also hosting negotiations between Israelis and other countries to address the ongoing issues.

What is the 'red line' that Egypt has set regarding the treatment of Palestinians?

Egypt's red line is that it will not accept any forced displacement of Palestinians. They are against any actions that violate Palestinian rights or the Egyptian-Israeli peace agreement.

What is the significance of the construction at the Egypt-Gaza border?

The construction at the border involves a security perimeter. The area was originally filled with unlicensed buildings that were taken down, and the government rebuilt the area, inviting Egyptians back. However, the exact plans for the area, including whether it is intended to house Palestinians in case of an Israeli offensive, are unclear.

What are the current diplomatic efforts being made to address the crisis in Gaza?

Egypt and Qatar have been mediating between Israel and Hamas, with Egypt's foreign minister expressing optimism about a temporary ceasefire being reached before Ramadan. Discussions also involve potential incentives for Egypt to take refugees and the urgency of negotiations and aid delivery.

What is Nabil Fahmy's proposed ten-point plan for resolving the conflict?

Fahmy's ten-point plan includes a ceasefire, hostage exchange, humanitarian support, security arrangements between Palestinians and Israelis in Gaza, withdrawal of Israeli forces, recognition of a Palestinian state based on 1967 borders, reaffirmation by Arab countries of their Beirut summit declaration, a Security Council resolution affirming the plan, elections in Israel and among Palestinians, and the establishment of a new Palestinian government.

How does Nabil Fahmy view the prospect of a two-state solution?

Fahmy believes that the two-state solution is extremely difficult but necessary, as it is the only way to achieve peace in the region. He asserts that a one-state reality would lead to continuous conflict between Palestinians and Israelis.

What is the current stance of the international community on the two-state solution?

The international community, including the US, Russia, China, France, and the UK, supports a two-state solution. However, the current mood on the ground in Israel does not favor such a solution after the events of October 7th.

How does Nabil Fahmy propose to address the security concerns of Israel?

Fahmy suggests looking at ways to provide security for Israel that do not involve Israeli security supervision over Gaza. He proposes a structure where security could be managed by an international or Palestinian contingent with Arab oversight, provided that the principle of ending the occupation is accepted.

What is the potential role of Hamas in a post-war scenario?

Fahmy acknowledges that Hamas is currently involved in negotiations, but emphasizes that for a lasting peace, Hamas and other parties would need to accept and pursue a two-state solution. He suggests that new leaders and a new format for Palestinian governance might be necessary to effectively administrate Gaza and the West Bank.