Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi sharply criticized the Gaza conflict as a war of starvation during a virtual BRICS summit on September 8, 2025. He also held talks with a top US military leader to push for a truce amid rising regional tensions.
Sisi’s Strong Words at BRICS Meeting
President Sisi addressed leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and other BRICS nations in a virtual gathering hosted by Brazil. He called out what he sees as double standards in global affairs and accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon against Palestinians.
This summit came at a time when the Gaza war has dragged on for nearly two years, leading to widespread famine warnings from the United Nations. Sisi stressed that the conflict has moved beyond political goals or hostage releases. Instead, he described it as an effort to wipe out the Palestinian cause through hunger and lack of medical care.
He pointed to the destruction of life basics in Gaza, including food shortages and ruined health services. International aid groups have reported over 40,000 deaths and millions facing severe hunger since the war escalated in late 2023.
Sisi urged BRICS countries to back reforms in global systems, like changing the UN Security Council to end veto powers that block action.
Talks with US CENTCOM Chief on Truce Efforts
On the same day, Sisi met with General Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, at the Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo. The discussion focused on joint work to stop the fighting in Gaza and prevent wider conflict in the Middle East.
Egypt has played a key role in mediation alongside the US and Qatar. Sisi highlighted the need for an immediate ceasefire, hostage swaps, and steady flow of aid into Gaza. The talks also covered military ties, including the upcoming Bright Star 2025 exercises between Egyptian and US forces.
General Cooper and Sisi agreed on close coordination to ease tensions. This meeting builds on ongoing US Egypt efforts to broker peace, even as challenges like border control at Rafah persist.
Recent data shows aid deliveries to Gaza have dropped by 60 percent in the past year, according to UN reports from August 2025. Both sides stressed avoiding actions that could displace Palestinians or kill the two state solution.
Broader Impact on Palestinian Cause
Sisi rejected any plans to force Palestinians out of their land, calling it a direct threat to peace. He linked the Gaza crisis to failures in the international system, where powerful nations ignore laws.
At the summit, he pushed BRICS to recognize a Palestinian state and support rebuilding after the war. This aligns with Egypt’s push for more use of local currencies in trade and joint projects in energy and infrastructure.
Public sentiment in Egypt and the Arab world remains strong against the war. Protests in Cairo last month drew thousands calling for more aid to Gaza.
Here are key points from Sisi’s BRICS speech:
- Condemned double standards in global politics.
- Described Gaza war as starvation aimed at ending Palestinian rights.
- Called for UN reforms to fix paralysis in conflict resolution.
- Urged BRICS cooperation on debt relief and financial changes.
Regional Tensions and Future Outlook
The Gaza war has spilled over, affecting Lebanon and other areas with rocket exchanges and border clashes. Sisi’s talks with US officials aim to contain this spread.
Experts say a truce could come if mediation succeeds, but sticking points like hostage deals remain. In July 2025, Egypt hosted talks that led to short pauses in fighting, but a full ceasefire is still out of reach.
Looking ahead, BRICS nations plan more meetings in 2026 to build on these ideas. Egypt, as a new member, wants to lead on Middle East issues.
| Key Events in Gaza Crisis (2023-2025) | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| War Escalation | October 2023 | Hamas attacks prompt Israeli response, starting major conflict. |
| Famine Declaration | March 2024 | UN warns of starvation in northern Gaza. |
| Egypt-US Mediation Push | May 2025 | Joint efforts lead to partial aid increases. |
| BRICS Summit Speech | September 2025 | Sisi calls out starvation tactics. |
| Projected Aid Needs | 2026 | UN estimates $2.5 billion for Gaza rebuilding. |
These steps show growing calls for action as the crisis hits its second year.
Global Reactions and Calls for Change
World leaders have mixed responses to Sisi’s statements. Some BRICS members echoed his views on UN flaws, while Western nations focus on security.
Aid organizations like the Red Cross report child malnutrition rates in Gaza at 30 percent as of August 2025. This highlights the urgent need for open borders and safe aid routes.
Sisi’s push for Palestinian statehood gains traction amid frustration with Israel’s Gaza plans. Analysts predict more diplomatic pressure in coming months.
Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below, and spread the word to keep the conversation going on global peace efforts.
