Egypt Rejects All Threats to Nile River Water Rights
Cairo/Istanbul (ANTARA) - Egyptian President Abdel Fattag al-Sisi has rejected all forms of violations against Egypt’s Nile River water quota, attempts to displace Palestinian citizens, and measures aimed at avoiding the implementation of ceasefire agreements in the Gaza Strip.
Sisi stated this on Monday (5/10) while presiding over a meeting of the Supreme Armed Forces Council at the Strategic Command headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, east of Cairo, according to a presidential statement. The meeting was part of a series of commemorations for the 53rd anniversary of the October 1973 War between Egypt and Israel.
“The Nile River is the lifeblood of Egypt and the foundation of the nation’s existence for thousands of years,” he said. “Egypt’s water quota is an established historical right and a non-negotiable legal right, leaving no room for compromise or any violation.”
He stated that Egypt remains committed to cooperation and shared development with other countries in the Nile Basin, but will not permit any steps that threaten its water security. Egypt “will continue to defend its rights through all means permitted by international law,” he added.
Egypt and Sudan, two downstream nations on the Nile, are involved in a dispute with Ethiopia (an upstream nation) regarding the construction of a dam and the lack of a binding agreement regulating the filling and operation of the dam. Cairo fears the project could affect its annual water allocation of 55.5 billion cubic metres.
Turning to the issue of Palestine, Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s strong rejection of “any efforts aimed at displacing the Palestinian people from their land.” He also called for the full implementation of the Gaza ceasefire plan initiated by US President Donald Trump, warning that the plan must not be ignored or circumvented.
Sisi emphasised the importance of establishing an independent Palestinian state in accordance with international resolutions, describing it as the only guarantee for achieving just and lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. He referred to Egypt’s peace treaty with Israel as evidence that prolonged conflict can transition into peaceful coexistence.
Egypt and Israel were engaged in war for decades before the courage and foresight of their political leaders, supported by US mediation, paved the way for peace and ended hostilities, he noted. “Peace is not an impossible ideal, but a real choice capable of resolving conflict and promoting peaceful coexistence among humanity,” Sisi added.
Egypt and Israel signed a peace treaty in Washington, D.C. on 26 March 1979, following the 1978 Camp David Accords.
Highlighting regional developments, Sisi stated that the Middle East is facing crisis and upheaval, while rapid global changes and unprecedented challenges have shaken the stability of various nations and caused millions to become displaced. He warned that challenges to Egypt’s stability persist, but asserted that state institutions and the cohesion of its people enable Egypt to maintain its national security.
He reaffirmed Egypt’s support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Arab nations and the protection of their national institutions. “The security of the Arab Gulf states is an integral and inseparable part of Egypt’s national security,” he said, while reiterating Egypt’s condemnation of attacks targeting Arab nations.
He also emphasised the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation through international shipping lanes. The Egyptian armed forces remain ready to defend the nation, its resources, and national security “at all times and in all situations,” Sisi concluded.