Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has dismissed speculation that Cairo’s recently expanded $35 billion natural gas agreement with Israel’s Leviathan field will influence its stance on the Gaza conflict. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, August 13, he stressed the deal is merely an extension of a 2019 agreement and has never altered Egypt’s consistent opposition to “any attempts to eliminate the Palestinian cause or forcibly displace our Palestinian brothers”.
Madbouly said Egypt’s position has remained firm throughout the war in Gaza, noting that without Cairo’s stance, displacement and “liquidation” plans might have advanced. He described the gas agreement as part of Egypt’s long-term strategy to remain a regional energy hub, emphasizing that such economic arrangements will not sway its political principles or advocacy for Palestinian rights.