US President Highlights Military Strikes and Potential Solutions
US President Donald Trump described his conversation with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi as productive, touching on the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the US-led military actions against Houthi rebels in Yemen. The call, which took place on Tuesday, comes as Washington remains heavily involved in Middle East conflicts through diplomatic and military means.
“My telephone call with President el-Sissi of Egypt went very well,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, without providing extensive details. The two leaders discussed potential resolutions for Gaza, military readiness, and the US’s recent military actions targeting Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis.
US Strikes in Yemen Gain Momentum
Trump emphasized what he called “tremendous military progress” in Yemen, where US forces have been conducting airstrikes against Houthi rebels. The group has been targeting Red Sea shipping routes, claiming their attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
- The US and UK launched a series of strikes in Yemen earlier this year, aiming to neutralize Houthi capabilities.
- The rebel group has continued its missile and drone attacks, prompting further responses from Western forces.
- The Red Sea remains a critical passage for global trade, with disruptions causing economic ripples worldwide.
Trump’s statement suggests Washington is satisfied with its military campaign, even as Houthi attacks persist.
Controversy Over Gaza Displacement Proposal
Gaza was another focal point of Trump’s discussion with el-Sissi. While the president did not elaborate, his recent comments about Gaza’s future have stirred international criticism. In February, he proposed relocating the entire population of Gaza, suggesting the US could turn the war-torn region into a real estate project. The idea drew backlash from global leaders, including allies, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared open to discussing it.
The conflict in Gaza reignited after a brief ceasefire in January, which saw Israel release over 1,000 Palestinian security prisoners in exchange for hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023. That truce, brokered by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, collapsed amid accusations of violations from both sides.
Egypt’s Role in Regional Mediation
Egypt remains a key player in regional diplomacy, particularly in managing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As Gaza’s only other land neighbor besides Israel, Cairo has played a central role in ceasefire negotiations and humanitarian aid coordination.
- Egypt has maintained tight control over the Rafah border crossing, allowing limited aid to flow into Gaza.
- El-Sissi has opposed forced displacement of Palestinians into Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, warning of destabilization risks.
- Cairo has been working with Qatar and the US to negotiate another ceasefire, though prospects remain uncertain.
What’s Next for US Middle East Policy?
The US administration faces mounting pressure to clarify its Middle East strategy, balancing military intervention with diplomatic solutions. Trump’s upbeat tone on his conversation with el-Sissi suggests a willingness to keep Egypt engaged, but whether that leads to substantive policy shifts remains to be seen.
With Gaza’s war still raging and Houthi attacks persisting, Washington’s next moves will be closely watched. The region remains volatile, and any misstep could further complicate an already delicate situation.
