Why is Egypt refusing to participate in the Gaza stabilization force? The full reasons
Recent diplomatic reports have raised numerous questions about Egypt's absence from the proposed "stabilization force" for the Gaza Strip—a multinational force being discussed to manage security in the Strip during the "day after war" phase. This Egyptian stance is not a recent development, but rather consistent with Cairo's longstanding strategic and political vision regarding the Palestinian issue and Egyptian national security.
The general context and the firm Egyptian position
Since the outbreak of the latest war in Gaza, the Egyptian political leadership has repeatedly affirmed a set of principles, most notably its categorical rejection of any attempt to liquidate the Palestinian cause or displace the residents of the Gaza Strip. Cairo views any direct Egyptian military presence inside Gaza to manage its security affairs on behalf of other parties as a strategic trap that could pit the Egyptian army against Palestinian factions or portray it as endorsing the occupation, which contradicts Egypt's historical role as a key supporter of Palestinian rights.
Why is Egypt absent from this force?
Egypt's refusal to participate in the "Stabilization Force" is based on several fundamental and logical reasons:
- Palestinian sovereignty: Egypt insists that the administration of the Gaza Strip, both security and civilian, must be a purely Palestinian matter. Cairo believes that the Palestinian Authority is the legitimate body authorized to administer the Strip, and that any external force would only perpetuate the division or constitute a disguised occupation.
- The absence of a political horizon: Egypt stipulates that any involvement in post-war arrangements must include a clear and time-bound political process leading to a two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Without such a horizon, Cairo considers any security solutions to be merely temporary palliatives that will only lead to renewed conflict.
- Avoiding security entanglement: Egypt is aware of the complexities of the situation on the ground in Gaza, and refuses to assume responsibility for security in a sector completely destroyed by war, especially in the absence of international guarantees for reconstruction or a halt to Israeli interventions.
Regional and international importance and influence
Egypt's position is of paramount importance in shaping the region's future, as it is Gaza's only gateway to the outside world (via the Rafah crossing) and a key partner in any ceasefire negotiations. Egypt's absence from this force would practically make its formation or success difficult, since international powers, particularly the United States, rely on Egypt's role to legitimize and secure regional acceptance for any future arrangements.
Moreover, this position sends a strong message to the international community that military security solutions alone will not work, and that true stability in the Middle East begins with a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue, not with the formation of peacekeeping forces to manage escalating crises.
