عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Arab World

Egypt, US Agree to Intensify Cooperation in Combating Terrorism

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and his accompanying delegation (Egyptian Presidency)
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and his accompanying delegation (Egyptian Presidency)
TT
20
TT

Egypt, US Agree to Intensify Cooperation in Combating Terrorism

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and his accompanying delegation (Egyptian Presidency)
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and his accompanying delegation (Egyptian Presidency)

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has met with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries in combating terrorism and extremist ideology.

The presidential spokesman Bassam Radi said that Sullivan conveyed President Joe Biden's greetings to Sisi and his assurances on the importance and strength of the Egyptian-US alliance.

Washington wants to develop partnerships with Cairo and bring them to broader horizons during the coming period.

He indicated that this comes within the framework of close and extended cooperation relations between the two countries, particularly in light of the essential Egyptian role under Sisi’s leadership in the Middle East, as a mainstay for security and stability.

Sisi stressed Egypt's keenness to strengthen its extended strategic partnership with the US, intensify cooperation and coordination between the two countries at various levels since there are common interests between the two countries, and support efforts to restore security and stability in the Middle East because it suffers from tension and turmoil.

The president affirmed Egypt's firm position based on the need to strengthen the pillars and national institutions of countries in crises to end the suffering of their peoples, preserve their capabilities, and help fill the vacuum that allowed terrorist groups to expand and spread.

The National Security Advisor expressed the US administration's profound appreciation for Egypt's extended efforts to establish peace in the region, its primary role in the truce between the Palestinian and Israeli sides, and the initiatives for the reconstruction of Gaza.

Sullivan praised Egypt's efforts, and a consensus was reached on the importance of promoting cooperation between the two sides in this field during the next stage, given that terrorism is a significant global threat.

The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Head of General Intelligence Major General Abbas Kamel, US Chargé d'Affaires Nicole Shampaine, Middle East Coordinator at the Security Council Brett McGurk, Head of the North Africa Department of the US National Security Council Joshua Harris, Senior Advisor to the President of the US National Security Council Ariana Berengaut.

Most Viewed

 
Arab World

Hamas Comes Under Pressure in Lebanon

The Supreme Defense Council, chaired by President Joseph Aoun, issued a recommendation to the government to warn Hamas against using Lebanese territory for any actions that undermine national security (Lebanese Presidency)
The Supreme Defense Council, chaired by President Joseph Aoun, issued a recommendation to the government to warn Hamas against using Lebanese territory for any actions that undermine national security (Lebanese Presidency)
TT
20
TT

Hamas Comes Under Pressure in Lebanon

The Supreme Defense Council, chaired by President Joseph Aoun, issued a recommendation to the government to warn Hamas against using Lebanese territory for any actions that undermine national security (Lebanese Presidency)
The Supreme Defense Council, chaired by President Joseph Aoun, issued a recommendation to the government to warn Hamas against using Lebanese territory for any actions that undermine national security (Lebanese Presidency)

Relations between Hamas and the Lebanese state have entered a critical phase not seen since the country’s civil war era. In a rare and direct move, Lebanon’s Supreme Defense Council on Friday named Hamas in an official warning, cautioning the group against using Lebanese territories to conduct activities that threaten national security.

The warning follows rocket attacks in March, allegedly launched by Hamas operatives toward Israel from southern Lebanon, and signals a turning point in Beirut’s handling of the longstanding issue of Palestinian arms.

The issue is expected to dominate discussions during the upcoming visit of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to Beirut on May 21. Lebanese authorities are reportedly preparing to demand that Hamas hand over individuals implicated in the rocket attacks.

Hamas officials in Lebanon declined to comment immediately, but sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that an official statement from the group is forthcoming.

Last month, the Lebanese army said it had identified those responsible for the March 22 and 28 rocket launches, revealing a cell composed of Lebanese and Palestinian nationals. Subsequent raids led to several arrests and the seizure of equipment used in the attacks. Security sources later confirmed the detention of three Hamas members - two Palestinians and one Lebanese.

Analysts and insiders believe Hamas now finds itself increasingly isolated in Lebanon. According to Palestinian political analyst Hisham Debassy, the group has little choice but to comply with Lebanese demands, including potentially disarming.

“The Defense Council’s position marks a serious and strategic shift,” said Debassy. “It sends a strong political message not just to Hamas but to any non-state actor operating militarily on Lebanese soil.”

Debassy described Hamas as being at a crossroads. “Either it cooperates with Lebanese authorities by handing over wanted individuals and signaling respect for state sovereignty, or it continues down a path of confrontation, an option that carries significant political and security costs.”

He noted that Hamas currently lacks the internal cohesion and public support to take a defiant stance. Internal divisions have grown between factions aligned with Iran and others favoring political reintegration within the broader Muslim Brotherhood framework.

Political analyst Dr. Qassem Qassir said Hamas’ leadership, based largely in Qatar, remains mindful of Lebanon’s fragile security. “Hamas doesn’t want to endanger Lebanon,” he said, adding that the group is likely to act cautiously given the broader regional context.

Meanwhile, Abbas’ visit is seen as an opportunity to reshape Palestinian-Lebanese relations and advance state authority in Palestinian camps. Lebanese officials are seeking a roadmap, backed by the Palestinian Authority, that could lead to the phased dismantling of weapons in refugee camps, following similar efforts targeting pro-Syrian Palestinian factions in the Bekaa and Naameh regions.

Hamas’ presence in Lebanon had traditionally been limited to social and political activities. But its military footprint began to emerge after a 2022 explosion in the Burj al-Shemali camp. Since the Gaza war erupted in October 2023, Hamas’s armed wing has become more active in southern Lebanon, coordinating with Hezbollah in launching attacks on Israel, further complicating its position with Lebanese authorities.