Egypt would not oppose the deployment of international forces in the Gaza Strip, provided the move receives the consent of the Palestinian people, the head of the State Information Service (SIS) has said.
In a statement on Monday, SIS Chairman Diaa Rashwan clarified Cairo’s position amid ongoing diplomatic discussions about post-war security arrangements in Gaza. He emphasized that Egypt’s stance is rooted in respect for Palestinian sovereignty and the principle that any foreign presence must be accepted by the people it is intended to serve.
Rashwan’s remarks come as the region grapples with the aftermath of months of conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has devastated Gaza’s infrastructure and displaced hundreds of thousands. Several international actors have floated the idea of a neutral, multinational force to oversee humanitarian aid delivery, security stabilization, and reconstruction.
Egypt, which shares a border with Gaza and has historically played a mediating role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, has repeatedly stressed that long-term peace depends on a comprehensive political solution—chiefly, the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
“Any arrangements for Gaza’s future must be in line with the will of its people,” Rashwan said, reiterating Cairo’s opposition to any proposals that could lead to the forced displacement of Palestinians or compromise their political rights.
Analysts say Egypt’s conditional openness to an international force reflects its balancing act: supporting stability and reconstruction efforts while safeguarding Palestinian self-determination. The proposal’s future now hinges on whether Palestinian leaders and civil society can reach a consensus on the idea.
