Published on: 2026-10-26
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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October 26, 2026 Peace and Security
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, during a visit to Egypt, noted the country’s role in diplomatic mediation and humanitarian efforts amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Speaking to journalists in Cairo, the UN chief reminded that this trip was his ninth visit to Egypt since taking office in 2017.
“Then I said that Egypt is the political center of the region and an indispensable partner in resolving existing problems. Almost ten years later, I am more convinced of this than ever,” Guterres said.
The Secretary-General noted that Egypt consistently promotes the preservation of diplomatic channels even in the most challenging times: “When this region and the entire world faced some of the most difficult moments, Egypt invariably worked to create space for diplomacy, to seat the parties at the negotiating table, to maintain channels for providing humanitarian aid, and to help turn confrontation into dialogue.”
Situation in Gaza
Particular attention during the negotiations in Egypt, according to the Secretary-General, was paid to the situation in Gaza. Guterres thanked the Egyptian authorities for their involvement in mediation initiatives and humanitarian assistance.
The head of the UN stated that the Palestinian population continues to endure immense suffering and called for the removal of restrictions on humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza. He also demanded the elimination of obstacles to implementing the comprehensive conflict cessation plan approved by the UN Security Council.
“The civilian population must be protected. International law must be respected,” Guterres said.
West Bank
At the same time, the UN chief expressed serious concern over Israel’s actions in the occupied West Bank.
“Settlements are expanding. Evictions continue, Palestinians are being displaced from their lands. Violence by settlers is increasing. Palestinian families are subjected to attacks. Journalists and diplomats are becoming targets of assaults,” the Secretary-General said.
According to Guterres, peace in the Middle East is impossible without the realization of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
Strait of Hormuz
The Secretary-General also welcomed Egypt’s mediation efforts to create conditions for dialogue between the USA and Iran and called on the parties to exercise restraint.
“We need maximum restraint and diplomatic solutions. If the current saber-rattling escalates into a serious escalation, the situation in the region could spiral out of control,” he warned.
Guterres emphasized the need for the full restoration of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait area in accordance with international law. He noted that the war in Gaza, disruptions in shipping in the Red Sea, the crisis around the Strait of Hormuz, and the situation in the Black Sea harm global trade, increase pressure on the regional economy, and raise the cost of energy carriers and transportation.
Security Council Reform
The Secretary-General confirmed his support for the reform of the UN Security Council to provide permanent representation for Africa, as well as for the transformation of the Bretton Woods institutions and the entire international financial architecture.
Guterres emphasized the importance of cooperation between the UN and Egypt.
“I would like to once again pay tribute to the role of Egypt and express our interest in further deepening cooperation, which has already yielded quite positive results,” he said.
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