Politico: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is convening a peace summit in Cairo aimed at preventing the Gaza conflict from escalating into a larger regional war. While the summit will see participation from various countries including Turkey, Qatar, and European nations, key players like the U.S., Israel, and Iran are notably absent. This absence considerably reduces the likelihood of the summit achieving a significant diplomatic breakthrough.
Iran’s role in the conflict is of particular concern; it is an ally to Hamas, which has been responsible for significant attacks in Israel. Iran is also involved in various proxy conflicts in the region, including attacks on U.S. bases. The Pentagon has expressed its aim to contain the conflict to Israel and Hamas, discouraging its spread into a broader war.
European leaders are participating, but they too face criticism for their stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza. The United States recently vetoed a U.N. resolution calling for a pause in fighting and humanitarian assistance to Gaza, indicating a rift between Western and Arab leaders on the issue. Arab leaders argue that the ultimate solution lies in the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
The conference aims to discuss the future of Palestine, but there are widespread concerns, even among Arab leaders, about the summit’s potential effectiveness due to the absence of the key players.
The entire article can be read at the link https://www.politico.eu/article/egypt-cairo-peace-summit-israel-hamas-war-united-states-iran-turkey-qatar/