Egypt has rejected several large financial proposals that were conditioned on accepting the forced displacement of Palestinians, Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty said in an interview with MBC Egypt’s program Al-Hekaya. He stated that accepting such offers would mean endorsing the 'law of the jungle.' Abdel Aty revealed that Egypt received three separate proposals, each offering significant economic incentives, including debt cancellation and financial rewards.

The minister emphasized that Cairo firmly rejected all offers and that Egypt’s position remains clear and unchangeable. He added that Israeli negotiators fully understand Egypt’s stance. Abdel Aty noted that Egypt and Israel, having maintained diplomatic relations for over 45 years, are aware of each other’s positions and limitations.

He further accused Israel of failing to meet its international legal obligations as an occupying power to open border crossings and allow humanitarian aid. Abdel Aty concluded that Egypt will remain steadfast in upholding international law, warning that abandoning it would lead to a world governed by the law of the jungle.

Al-Azhar, one of the world’s most influential Islamic and moral institutions, has issued a powerful statement condemning child sexual abuse as one of humanity’s gravest sins. The institution declared that such acts are not only legal crimes but also moral and spiritual violations that destroy the innocence and dignity of children. It called for the highest level of punishment for perpetrators to deter future crimes and emphasized that showing mercy to abusers is a betrayal of humanity. Alongside its stern message, Al-Azhar urged compassion and psychological support for victims, highlighting the long-lasting mental trauma caused by abuse. The statement also warned against the growing threat of online exploitation in the digital age, calling for stronger laws, vigilant monitoring, and responsible technology use. Al-Azhar concluded by stressing that child protection is a shared global responsibility involving families, educators, policymakers, and the media, as the future of civilization depends on the safety and happiness of children.

A Hamas delegation met with Egypt’s intelligence chief Hassan Rashed in Cairo to discuss the progress of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, ongoing Israeli violations, and the second phase of the truce. According to a Hamas statement, the group reaffirmed its commitment to the first phase of the ceasefire but accused Israel of undermining the deal through continued attacks in the blockaded Gaza Strip. Hamas urged mediators to take concrete steps to document violations and ensure immediate action to halt them. Gaza’s media office reported that since the ceasefire began, Israeli forces have killed 342 Palestinians and injured hundreds more. Israel, meanwhile, stated it will not proceed with the second phase of talks until the bodies of all Israeli hostages are returned. Hamas responded that extensive destruction across Gaza has delayed recovery efforts. The meeting highlights Egypt’s ongoing role as a key mediator in the fragile truce process.

World leaders are set to meet on Monday (October 13) in Egypt’s resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh for a landmark peace summit aimed at ending the two-year Gaza conflict and restoring stability in the Middle East. The conference, co-chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, will host leaders from over 20 nations, including the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and French President Emmanuel Macron. The summit seeks to consolidate efforts for a permanent ceasefire, regional peace, and a new era of cooperation. While Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas representatives are yet to confirm attendance, the meeting comes amid a fragile ceasefire that has prompted displaced Gazans to return home after massive destruction. The initiative follows Trump’s recent 20-point peace plan unveiled in Washington.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has emphasized that real and lasting peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved without the creation of an independent Palestinian state. Speaking amid Egypt’s ongoing mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas, Sisi said that a Gaza ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, humanitarian relief, reconstruction, and the launch of a credible political process are essential steps toward long-term stability. Egypt has been hosting negotiations involving international mediators seeking to end the conflict. However, despite diplomatic efforts, Israeli attacks on Gaza continue, killing at least seven more Palestinians early Monday, including some who were collecting aid. Since the war began, Israeli strikes have killed more than 67,000 Palestinians and injured over 169,000 others, with many still feared trapped under the rubble. Observers say Egypt’s strong statement underscores growing regional frustration over the prolonged violence and lack of progress toward a two-state solution.

Egypt and Qatar have strongly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent comments regarding the potential displacement of Palestinians. Netanyahu had claimed that “various plans exist for Gaza’s reconstruction” and suggested that “half the population may want to leave,” though he denied advocating mass eviction.

Egypt’s Foreign Ministry called Netanyahu’s statements an “ongoing attempt to prolong regional tensions and normalize Israeli violations in Gaza,” and stated that forced displacement would constitute a clear violation of international humanitarian law and potentially war crimes. Qatar similarly condemned Israel’s policy, emphasizing that collective punishment will not succeed in depriving Palestinians of their land or rights.

Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a more than 2,000-year-old city off the coast of Alexandria, Egypt. Believed to be an extension of the ancient city of Canopus, the underwater ruins include broken statues, limestone buildings, industrial complexes, artifacts, and dockyards.
The city flourished for centuries under Ptolemaic and Roman rule before sinking due to earthquakes and rising sea levels, along with the nearby port city of Heracleion. Egypt’s tourism and antiquities minister Sherif Fathy confirmed that while some items have been retrieved, most will remain as part of the country’s submerged heritage. Notable finds include royal sculptures and a pre-Roman sphinx, though many statues are damaged or headless.

Al-Azhar University, under the direction of Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, has sent its 11th humanitarian convoy to Gaza. The aid includes thousands of tons of food, medicine, baby formula, blankets, and 1,000 fully equipped tents. Dr. Al-Tayeb, also Director of Baitul Zakat and Sadaqah, issued a global call: “Strive with your wealth to support Palestine.” Those wishing to contribute can do so through Al-Azhar’s official charity, which ensures aid reaches Gaza directly.

Egypt’s Al-Azhar University was compelled to withdraw a strong statement condemning Israel for starving Palestinians in Gaza, reportedly under pressure from the Egyptian presidential office. The university said the statement might negatively affect ceasefire negotiations and thus rescinded it to help address urgent humanitarian needs. Ali Al-Qaradaghi, head of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, criticized the withdrawal as unjust. Meanwhile, human rights activists in the Netherlands and Egypt continue to protest the blockade and closure of Gaza's borders.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty announced that negotiations are underway for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages. The talks, involving Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, aim to deliver urgent medical aid to Gaza and implement the terms of a January 19 agreement. Abdel Aty emphasized that the move is a critical first step toward a permanent truce and warned that any renewed aggression would pose a major threat to regional stability.

Egypt’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Nazir Ayad has denounced a fatwa issued by the Qatar-based International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) calling for jihad against Israel, labeling it “irresponsible” and a violation of Sharia principles. The fatwa urged all able Muslims to take up arms and demanded immediate military, political, and economic action from Muslim countries. Ayad stressed that only legitimate state authorities have the mandate to declare war.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelattati has announced that a reconstruction plan for war-torn Gaza is ready. The plan ensures that Palestinians can remain on their homeland. It will be presented at an urgent Arab Summit in Cairo on March 4. He stated that Egypt seeks international support and funding for this plan, particularly emphasizing Europe’s critical role in financing Gaza’s reconstruction. Abdelattati affirmed that Egypt would ensure the Arab Summit's outcome is presented to the world in the best possible way.

Discussions are underway in Cairo regarding the second phase of the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in Gaza. On Thursday, Egypt, acting as a mediator, confirmed that delegations from Israel, Qatar, and the United States had arrived in Cairo to negotiate the next steps. The first phase of the ceasefire is set to end on March 1. Meanwhile, as part of the agreement, four bodies were exchanged for the release of over a hundred Palestinian detainees. So far, the war has claimed over 48,000 lives in Gaza, while more than 1,200 people have been killed in Israel.

Egypt’s Foreign Ministry has announced that the special Arab League summit on the Gaza crisis, initially scheduled for next week, has been postponed to March 4. The decision was made following consultations with member states. The summit was called in response to Donald Trump’s proposal advocating for the occupation of Gaza and the displacement of its residents. Arab nations, including Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, are expected to reinforce their cooperation and seek peaceful solutions. Analysts view the summit as a strong countermeasure against U.S. plans.