Summary of "Cairo local Time 18 2 2026 voice of Amb Raouf Saad"

Overview

Egypt chose to participate in the US‑convened “board of peace” summit for strategic reasons: regional stability depends on making progress on the Palestinian issue, and Egypt’s involvement is seen as essential to ensure the forum is meaningful rather than merely symbolic.

Key points

Egypt believes it has a unique historical and diplomatic position that can move Arab efforts from passive to active engagement.
Ambassador Raouf Saad argued Egypt must be part of any new stage toward settling the Palestinian question.
The summit is considered timely because Israeli moves to annex parts of the West Bank and East Jerusalem risk major instability.
There is cautious optimism about a US shift (noting President Trump’s stated rejection of West Bank annexation), and Egypt sees potential to use US‑Egypt alignment constructively.
Egypt is coordinating closely with Arab and Islamic countries to present a unified stance; several states already issued a joint statement condemning annexation efforts.

Why the summit matters

Annexation efforts threaten regional stability and could lead to wider instability or “regional implosion.”
International pressure and coordinated action are needed to prevent annexation and its consequences.
Egypt sees the summit as a vehicle to:
1. Mobilize international support.
2. Produce a unified Palestinian approach (Ambassador Saad urged Palestinian elections to create a single negotiating front).
3. Advance humanitarian relief and reconstruction in Gaza.

Humanitarian relief and reconstruction

Egypt has been sending aid convoys to Gaza (the 401st convoy was cited), delivering food, medicine, and supplies.
Ambassador Saad emphasized that long‑term recovery must include planning for full reconstruction of Gaza: clearing ordnance, addressing pollution, and meeting environmental and climate‑related needs — not merely delivering aid or rebuilding buildings.

Obstacles and approach

Saad acknowledged many obstacles, including deliberate attempts to impede progress.
He defended a pragmatic and principled approach: participating in the forum despite criticisms that it might sideline the UN, with the hope that the summit could produce a fresh start toward a real settlement.

Ambassador Raouf Saad: Egypt’s historical and diplomatic role can turn Arab policy from passive stance to active engagement; therefore Egypt must be included in any new phase toward resolving the Palestinian issue.