By: Mohamed Abdel-Azim Al-Shimi
Egyptian foreign policy prioritizes regional stability and the containment of extremist narratives, a stance that is increasingly tested by international incidents like the recent violence targeting Zionist communities in Australia. While these events occurred far from Cairo, they resonate deeply within Egypt’s diplomatic framework.
We are going to show how Egypt navigates such occurrences, examining the intersection of its historical stance on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict with its broader strategic goals of maintaining international security and preventing the spillover of sectarian violence.
Understanding the Australian Incident
In recent weeks, violent attack occurred in Australia, specifically targeting Zionist communities. These attacks, which left numerous casualties, were driven by widespread anger at Israel’s ongoing military operations, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank.
The perpetrators, who were reportedly motivated by anti-Zionist sentiment, saw the attacks as a form of resistance to Israeli policies, which are considered as oppressive and unjust.
Though the violence in Australia was condemned by various political and community leaders, it highlighted a growing trend of rising tensions globally, where criticism of Israel is sometimes transformed into violent actions against individuals and communities associated with Zionism. These incidents are not isolated but are part of a broader wave of anti-Israel sentiment that has been exacerbated by Israel's military actions in the Middle East.
Egypt's Long-standing Stance on Israel and the Middle East Conflict
Egypt, as a central player in Middle Eastern geopolitics, has always maintained a delicate balance in its relationship with Israel. On one hand, Egypt signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1979, becoming the first Arab country to officially recognize the Jewish state. But, Egypt has consistently criticized Israeli policies, especially those affecting Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. The Egyptian’s foreign policy reflects its broader commitment to regional stability and its role as a leader in advocating for Palestinian rights.
Egyptian President Abdelfatah Elsisi have repeatedly called for Israel to halt its military operations against Palestinian civilians, urging Israel to engage in meaningful peace negotiations and to adhere to international law. Egypt has also been a key advocate for a two-state solution, in which Israel and Palestine coexist peacefully within internationally recognized borders. From Egypt’s perspective, the Israeli government’s continued military actions—particularly airstrikes, settlement expansions, and incursions into Palestinian territories—are seen as violations of Palestinian rights and international law.
The Egyptian Perspective on the Global Spread of Anti-Israel Sentiment
The violence in Australia, though geographically distant from the Middle East, is closely connected to the global spread of anti-Israel sentiment fueled by Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the West Bank. Egypt views this as a dangerous development. In Egypt’s foreign policy narrative, Israel’s actions contribute to a cycle of violence that exacerbates regional instability and drives the international community away from a peace process. The fact that this violence has extended beyond the Middle East—manifesting in attacks on Zionist communities in countries like Australia—underscores Egypt’s concerns about the increasing global polarization surrounding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Egyptian officials have often warned that the failure to address Palestinian grievances will lead to greater hatred, not only in the Arab world but also in international communities with large Jewish or Zionist populations. The Australian incident serves as a reflection of the broader consequences of Israel’s military policies, highlighting how domestic and foreign policies that perpetuate violence can ripple across the globe.
Egypt’s Call for Diplomatic Resolution and Peace
In response to the rising violence in global Zionist communities, Egypt has reiterated its call for Israel to change its approach to the Palestinian question. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has repeatedly stated that Israel must recognize Palestinian sovereignty, halt military aggression, and engage in genuine peace negotiations. From Egypt’s perspective, Israel’s refusal to end military operations and halt settlement expansions in Palestinian territories not only undermines peace prospects in the region but also contributes to the international unrest.
The Egyptian government’s official position remains firm: without a fair resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict—one that ensures the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel—peace in the region will remain elusive. This diplomatic stance aligns with Egypt’s broader foreign policy objectives, which prioritize regional stability, the protection of Palestinian rights, and the fostering of long-term peace in the Middle East.
Egypt also fears that the continued militarization of the conflict could have global consequences, particularly in countries with significant diaspora communities. As seen in the attacks in Australia, there is a growing tendency for anger towards Israel to manifest as violence against innocent civilians, creating a cycle of hatred that could further fuel extremism and destabilize societies far beyond the borders of Israel and Palestine.
The Broader Egyptian Strategy: Balancing Peace and Advocacy for Palestinians
Egypt’s foreign policy strategy regarding Israel and Palestine is rooted in a commitment to both regional peace and the protection of Palestinian rights. Egypt considers as a key mediator in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, having facilitated multiple rounds of peace talks over the years. Egypt’s policy seeks to balance its historical peace treaty with Israel while remaining a vocal advocate for Palestinian sovereignty.
Despite its peace agreement with Israel, Egypt continues to voice strong opposition to Israeli policies that it views as detrimental to Palestinian self-determination. Egypt's relationship with Israel is defined by pragmatism, but it is also shaped by a deep-seated belief in the importance of upholding international law, human rights, and regional stability. From this perspective, Egypt’s foreign policy aims to prevent further escalation of violence, not only between Israelis and Palestinians but also in the broader international community.
In the wake of the Australian attacks, Egypt has reiterated its stance that Israel must work towards de-escalating violence and returning to the negotiating table with Palestinian leadership. For Egypt, the underlying issue is the same: lasting peace in the Middle East—and by extension, in global Jewish and Zionist communities—can only be achieved if both parties work towards a fair and just resolution.
Conclusion: A Call for Global Peace and Regional Stability
The violence that targeted Zionist communities in Australia is a tragic reminder of the global impact of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. As these incidents unfold around the world, Egypt’s foreign policy stance remains clear: Israel must cease its military aggression against Palestinians and engage in meaningful negotiations to resolve the conflict. Egypt views Israel’s ongoing violence as a destabilizing force, both regionally and globally, and believes that it is critical for international powers to push for a peaceful resolution.
Egypt's approach reflects its commitment to preserving regional stability, supporting Palestinian rights, and ensuring the peaceful coexistence of all people in the Middle East, including Israelis and Palestinians. The recent violence in Australia serves as a sobering reminder of the far-reaching consequences of unresolved conflicts and the need for diplomacy, dialogue, and a fair resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli crisis. Only through these efforts can the international community hope to prevent further violence and achieve lasting peace in the region.
Thu, Dec. 25, 2025
