SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt — Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi on Monday said U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East peace proposal represents the “last chance” to achieve lasting peace in the region.

Speaking at the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit, el-Sissi reaffirmed Egypt’s long-standing support for a two-state solution, saying the Palestinians have the right to establish an independent state alongside Israel.

“Egypt believes that peace, stability, and prosperity can only be achieved when Palestinians are able to live freely and independently on their own land,” el-Sissi said.

Trump’s plan includes the potential for a Palestinian state, but only after a lengthy transition period in Gaza and reforms by the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, remains opposed to Palestinian independence.

During his address, el-Sissi also presented Trump with the Order of the Nile, Egypt’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of what he described as the U.S. leader’s efforts to “end the war in Gaza and open a new chapter for the Middle East.” — Agencies