In a significant address to the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York on Saturday, September 27, 2025, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty articulated his country’s resolute commitment to advancing U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed vision for resolving the protracted and devastating Israeli war in the Gaza Strip. The minister’s remarks underscored Egypt’s readiness to collaborate with regional and international stakeholders to bring an end to the conflict, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives and caused widespread destruction in Gaza. Abdelatty’s speech not only highlighted Egypt’s diplomatic priorities but also positioned the nation as a key player in fostering peace and stability in the Middle East.
Egypt’s Endorsement of Trump’s Vision
Foreign Minister Abdelatty expressed profound gratitude to President Trump for his unwavering dedication to ending what he described as an “unjust war” in Gaza. “Egypt is fully willing and committed to building on the vision by President Trump to restore stability, to end the Israeli war, to open a political horizon that paves the way towards the establishment of the Palestinian state, and also to release hostages and detainees,” Abdelatty declared. His remarks reflect Egypt’s strategic alignment with the U.S. initiative, which seeks to address one of the most intractable conflicts in the region through a renewed diplomatic push.
The Trump administration’s 21-point peace plan, which has garnered significant attention in recent weeks, represents a bold attempt to break the deadlock in negotiations that have faltered for months. According to sources familiar with the proposal, the plan outlines a multi-faceted approach to achieving peace in Gaza. Key components include the immediate release of all hostages held in the region, the establishment of a permanent ceasefire, the restructuring of Gaza’s governance to exclude Hamas, and a phased withdrawal of Israeli military forces from the territory. These measures aim to address both the immediate humanitarian crisis and the longer-term political challenges that have perpetuated the conflict.
Arab Leaders’ Response and Proposed Amendments
While the Trump plan has been broadly welcomed by Arab leaders, regional diplomats have indicated that several additions and modifications are being sought to ensure the plan’s viability and inclusivity. According to reports from CNN, Arab leaders have endorsed significant portions of the proposal but have emphasized the need for guarantees to prevent the annexation of the West Bank by Israel, a contentious issue that has long complicated peace efforts. Additionally, they have called for maintaining the status quo in Jerusalem, particularly with regard to the city’s holy sites, which hold profound religious significance for Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike.
Other proposed amendments include a substantial increase in humanitarian aid to address the dire conditions in Gaza, where relentless Israeli bombardment has rendered much of the enclave uninhabitable. The war, which intensified in October 2023, has resulted in the deaths of nearly 66,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children, according to regional authorities. The destruction of infrastructure, coupled with severe restrictions on food and medical supplies, has led to widespread starvation and the outbreak of diseases, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Arab leaders have also pressed for concrete measures to address the issue of Israeli settlements in the occupied territories, which are widely viewed as a major obstacle to peace. The expansion of settlements has been a persistent point of contention, with Palestinians and their allies arguing that it undermines the prospects for a viable Palestinian state. By incorporating these concerns into the peace plan, Arab leaders hope to create a more comprehensive framework that addresses the root causes of the conflict while laying the groundwork for a sustainable resolution.
Diplomatic Momentum and Regional Mediation
The renewed push for peace comes in the wake of a disruptive Israeli airstrike in Doha, which had previously derailed indirect talks between Israel and Hamas. The strike, which targeted Qatari soil, prompted a strong response from Qatar, a key mediator in the conflict. In subsequent discussions with President Trump, Qatari officials expressed their willingness to continue mediating provided Israel refrains from further strikes on its territory. This development underscores the delicate balance of trust and diplomacy required to sustain negotiations in a region fraught with tensions.
Egypt, alongside Qatar, has long played a pivotal role in mediating between Israel and Palestinian factions, including Hamas. Cairo’s strategic position as a neighbor to Gaza, coupled with its historical involvement in peace processes, positions it as a critical partner in implementing Trump’s vision. Abdelatty’s remarks at the UN General Assembly signal Egypt’s determination to leverage its diplomatic influence to advance the peace process, particularly by facilitating dialogue between conflicting parties and ensuring that humanitarian concerns are prioritized.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The scale of the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza cannot be overstated. Since the escalation of hostilities in October 2023, the Israeli military campaign has inflicted unprecedented devastation on the enclave. According to Palestinian health authorities, the death toll has reached nearly 66,000, with women and children constituting the majority of casualties. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble, and critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and water systems, has been systematically destroyed. The blockade imposed by Israel has severely restricted the flow of essential supplies, leading to acute shortages of food, clean water, and medical resources.
The resulting starvation and spread of diseases have compounded the suffering of Gaza’s population, which numbers approximately 2.3 million. International aid organizations have struggled to deliver assistance due to ongoing violence and logistical challenges, further deepening the crisis. The international community, including the United Nations, has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire and the lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid, but progress has been limited.
Egypt has been at the forefront of efforts to alleviate the suffering in Gaza, coordinating the delivery of aid through the Rafah crossing, the primary entry point for humanitarian supplies into the enclave. However, the scale of the crisis far exceeds current aid efforts, necessitating a more robust international response. Abdelatty’s commitment to working with President Trump’s peace plan reflects Egypt’s recognition that a lasting solution to the conflict is essential to addressing the humanitarian emergency.
The Broader Regional Context
The Gaza conflict is part of a broader web of tensions in the Middle East, where competing interests and historical grievances have fueled instability for decades. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in particular, remains a central issue that shapes regional dynamics and influences the foreign policies of neighboring states. Egypt’s proactive stance on the Gaza peace plan aligns with its broader strategic objectives, which include promoting stability, countering extremism, and fostering economic cooperation in the region.
The Trump administration’s re-engagement with the Middle East peace process marks a departure from its earlier policies, which were often criticized for favoring Israel at the expense of Palestinian aspirations. The proposed 21-point plan represents a more balanced approach, acknowledging the need for concessions from both sides to achieve a durable resolution. By emphasizing the release of hostages, a permanent ceasefire, and the exclusion of Hamas from Gaza’s governance, the plan seeks to address immediate security concerns while creating space for long-term political progress.
However, the exclusion of Hamas from Gaza’s governance raises complex questions about the future of Palestinian leadership. Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007, remains a significant political and military force despite its designation as a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, and others. Any attempt to sideline the group will require careful negotiation with Palestinian factions and the broader Arab world to ensure that governance structures are inclusive and representative.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the Trump peace plan offers a potential pathway to de-escalation, significant challenges remain. The deep mistrust between Israel and Palestinian factions, coupled with domestic political pressures in both societies, could hinder progress. In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government faces resistance from hardline factions that oppose any concessions to Palestinians, including the withdrawal of forces from Gaza. Similarly, Palestinian leaders must navigate internal divisions and public skepticism about the feasibility of peace negotiations in the face of ongoing violence.
The role of external actors, including the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and other Arab states, will be crucial in overcoming these obstacles. Egypt’s endorsement of the Trump plan signals its willingness to take on a leadership role in this regard, leveraging its diplomatic channels to bridge gaps between parties. The involvement of Qatar, with its established mediation credentials, further enhances the prospects for constructive dialogue.
Moreover, the international community’s response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza will play a critical role in shaping the trajectory of the peace process. Increased aid commitments, coupled with efforts to rebuild Gaza’s infrastructure, could help restore confidence in the possibility of peace. However, such efforts must be accompanied by tangible progress toward addressing core political issues, including the establishment of a Palestinian state and the resolution of disputes over Jerusalem and settlements.
Egypt’s Strategic Vision
Egypt’s commitment to the Trump peace plan is rooted in its broader vision for regional stability and prosperity. As a key player in the Arab world, Egypt has a vested interest in preventing the Gaza conflict from spilling over into neighboring countries and exacerbating regional tensions. The country’s leadership has consistently emphasized the importance of a two-state solution as the foundation for lasting peace, a position that aligns with the international consensus.
Abdelatty’s address to the UN General Assembly also highlighted Egypt’s desire to open a “political horizon” that paves the way for Palestinian statehood. This vision reflects Cairo’s recognition that a purely military or security-focused approach to the conflict is insufficient. By advocating for a comprehensive solution that addresses both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term political aspirations, Egypt is positioning itself as a constructive partner in the peace process.
The release of hostages and detainees, another key component of the Trump plan, is an area where Egypt’s mediation experience could prove particularly valuable. Cairo has previously facilitated prisoner exchanges and ceasefire agreements, earning credibility as a neutral broker. By prioritizing this issue, Egypt aims to build trust between the parties and create momentum for broader negotiations.
The Path Forward
As the international community digests the implications of Trump’s peace plan and Egypt’s enthusiastic support, the coming months will be critical in determining the initiative’s success. The plan’s emphasis on a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces offers hope for an end to the immediate violence, but its long-term viability will depend on the willingness of all parties to make difficult compromises.
For Egypt, the opportunity to play a central role in the peace process represents both a challenge and an opportunity. By aligning with the Trump administration and collaborating with regional partners like Qatar, Egypt can help shape the contours of a new framework for peace. However, it must also navigate the complexities of regional politics, including the competing interests of Israel, Palestinian factions, and other Arab states.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains an urgent priority, requiring immediate action to alleviate suffering and prevent further loss of life. Egypt’s leadership in coordinating aid efforts, combined with its diplomatic engagement, positions it as a linchpin in the broader effort to stabilize the region.
In conclusion, Egypt’s endorsement of President Trump’s vision for ending the Gaza war marks a significant step toward renewed diplomacy in the Middle East. By committing to a comprehensive approach that addresses both immediate and long-term challenges, Egypt is signaling its readiness to lead in the pursuit of peace. The road ahead will be fraught with difficulties, but with sustained international support and a commitment to dialogue, there is hope that the cycle of violence in Gaza can finally be broken, paving the way for a more stable and prosperous future for all parties involved.
