IRIA News

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The U.S. State Department announced the release of $1.3 billion in military aid to Egypt without preconditions. The latest aid package underscores Cairo’s role in mediating a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the ongoing Gaza conflict.

This move marks a significant shift from last year when the United States made part of the aid contingent on improving Egypt’s human rights record.

The decision reflects Egypt’s “progress” on certain human rights issues, according to the State Department. It also highlights the critical role Egypt is playing in advancing peace in the region, particularly through its efforts to mediate in the Gaza conflict and the release of hostages taken by Hamas during its October 7 attack on Israel. The Egyptian government, led by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, has been working alongside the United States and Qatar to broker a ceasefire and bring an end to the subsequent Israeli military operation in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands.

“This decision is important to advancing regional peace and Egypt’s specific and ongoing contributions to U.S. national security priorities, particularly to finalize a ceasefire agreement for Gaza,” a State Department spokesman said.

Egypt’s role in conflict

Egypt’s efforts in Gaza are not only limited to its contributions to regional peace. The State Department also emphasized Cairo’s involvement in promoting a ceasefire in Sudan, where a civil war has raged for more than 16 months. The Sudanese conflict has displaced millions and created widespread humanitarian crises in the region. Egypt, due to its geographical proximity and political influence, has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to resolve the violence.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken formalized the $1.3 billion allocation in a memo to Congress, which is required by U.S. law before releasing such aid. Egypt, a key U.S. ally in the Middle East, regularly receives substantial military support, but this support has often been conditioned on the country’s human rights practices.

Egypt’s human rights record

The announcement of the aid release has reignited the debate about Egypt’s human rights record. While the State Department acknowledged progress in certain areas, including draft legislation on judicial reforms and the release of over 950 political prisoners since September 2023, human rights organizations remain critical of Egypt’s overall situation.

Last year, the United States withheld approximately $95 million in aid due to concerns about Egypt’s suppression of dissent and the incarceration of political prisoners. Since 2022, Egypt has initiated what it calls a “national dialogue,” aimed at fostering political reform and reconciliation.

President Sisi’s government has released hundreds of political prisoners in recent years, but activists argue that the pace of reform is insufficient and inconsistent. Many point to the ongoing detention of tens of thousands of political prisoners, many of whom endure harsh conditions in overcrowded facilities, according to multiple non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

“In certifying that Egypt has fulfilled the conditions, the United States is acknowledging steps the Egyptians have already taken” on human rights, said the State Department spokesperson. These steps, including the judicial reforms and prisoner releases, were part of the U.S.’s decision to release the full military aid package this year.

However, the criticism from human rights groups persists. Many activists argue that Egypt’s government continues to suppress dissent and restrict political freedoms, even as it makes symbolic concessions under international pressure. They claim that while some prisoners are being released, many more are being detained, creating what they describe as a cycle of repression.

US-Egypt relations

The United States and Egypt have shared a strategic alliance for decades, with Cairo playing a pivotal role in maintaining stability in the Middle East. As one of the largest recipients of U.S. military aid, Egypt serves as a key partner in counterterrorism efforts, regional security, and efforts to stabilize volatile areas such as Gaza and Sudan.

By releasing the full $1.3 billion in military aid, Washington is signaling the importance of Egypt’s involvement in critical regional negotiations, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. While human rights concerns remain an issue, the U.S. appears to be prioritizing short-term stability and Egypt’s cooperation in resolving key conflicts over long-term reforms.

As the Gaza conflict and the Sudanese civil war continue to pose significant challenges to regional peace, Egypt’s role in these areas remains crucial to U.S. foreign policy. However, the balancing act between promoting human rights and maintaining strategic alliances will likely continue to shape the relationship between the two nations in the years to come.