Sinai Peninsula

Israel-Egypt peace treaty has stood the test of time over 45 years: expert explains its significance

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 15, 2024

The peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, signed in 1979 to end hostilities and normalise relations between them, turns 45 on 26 March. The Conversation Africa asked Ofir Winter, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, who studies Egyptian politics and the Arab-Israeli conflict, for his insights on the peace deal and the key challenging moments since it was signed.When and why did the peace treaty come into force?It marked the first treaty of its kind between an Arab country and Israel.

Key Points: 


The peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, signed in 1979 to end hostilities and normalise relations between them, turns 45 on 26 March. The Conversation Africa asked Ofir Winter, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, who studies Egyptian politics and the Arab-Israeli conflict, for his insights on the peace deal and the key challenging moments since it was signed.

When and why did the peace treaty come into force?

  • It marked the first treaty of its kind between an Arab country and Israel.
  • Since then, five more Arab countries – Jordan, the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan – have made peace with Israel.
  • The peace deal, and its consequences, are viewed as having reshaped the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict for the better.
  • And it wanted to strengthen its ties with the United States, by being at peace with its ally, Israel.

What challenges has the treaty faced?

  • Since then, the Israeli embassy has left its previous permanent residence and operates on a reduced scale and with a lower profile.
  • Read more:
    Hamas-Israeli conflict: what's at stake for Egypt

    However, past crises did not escalate to the point of suspending the peace agreement.

  • Egypt also benefits from intelligence cooperation with Israel in the fight against terrorism in Sinai.

Gaza conflict and the peace treaty

  • Even before the current war, Egypt had long been concerned about alleged Israeli plots to resolve the Gaza issue at its expense.
  • According to the military appendix of the 1979 peace agreement, areas C and D near the Egyptian-Israeli border are subject to demilitarisation.
  • A mechanism of military coordination between the Israeli and Egyptian defence forces monitors the parties’ commitments in the peace agreement.
  • Even amid the tensions stemming from the war in Gaza, Egypt has no intention of abrogating its peace treaty with Israel.
  • These include recalling the Egyptian ambassador from Tel Aviv, before resorting to more severe actions like suspending the peace treaty or some of its aspects, which could be harmful for both sides.


Ofir Winter does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Hamas-Israeli conflict: what's at stake for Egypt

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, October 17, 2023

As the Israeli-Hamas crisis continues, a great deal of focus is shifting to Egypt.

Key Points: 
  • As the Israeli-Hamas crisis continues, a great deal of focus is shifting to Egypt.
  • Moina Spooner, from The Conversation Africa, asked Ofir Winter, who studies Egyptian politics and the Arab-Israeli conflict, to provide insights into what the new war means for Egypt and the role it plays.

What’s been the relationship between Egypt and Israel and Palestine in the past?

    • This position is reflected in its reaction to the outbreak of violence between Israel and Hamas.
    • In accordance with past actions, Egypt can be expected to take several steps to demonstrate its solidarity with the Palestinians.
    • And, over the past decade, Israel has positioned itself as a key political, security and economic partner to Egypt.
    • In recent years, Egypt has been a mediator between Israel and Hamas and in the reconstruction efforts of Gaza.
    • There will be no Egyptian military involvement against Israel for the benefit of the Palestinians – a policy which primarily derives from Egypt’s commitment to the 1979 peace agreement between Israel and Egypt.

How does the current crisis affect Egypt?

    • This is separate to the Gaza residents with foreign citizenship who are already waiting at the border to cross.
    • Egypt is against allowing Gazans crossing the border in large numbers because it opposes any encroachment on its sovereignty in the Sinai Peninsula.
    • Second, a massive blow to Hamas may lead to a lack of governance, chaos, and instability in Gaza.

How has Egypt reacted and what should it do next?

    • The Arab League has already convened in Cairo, and an international conference in Egypt is expected to take place this weekend.
    • Egypt is also seeking to establish a humanitarian corridor for the delivery of food and medicine to the Gaza Strip.
    • At this stage, Egypt has more control than most other regional international players over the outcomes of the conflict, as well as plenty of interests.

PATHEOS' "100 MOST HOLY PLACES ON EARTH" RANKING REVEALS TOP 10 MOST SACRED SPACES, WITH TEMPLE MOUNT TAKING NO. 1 SPOT

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, August 15, 2023

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Aug. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Patheos, the leading online platform for exploring and understanding religion and spirituality, today announced the conclusion of its multifaith initiative titled "Sacred Spaces: The 100 Most Holy Places on Earth." Showcasing a curation of locations significant to major religions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism, the ranking reveals the top 10 most holy sites on Earth. The list is a comprehensive guide to the world's most sacred sites and a platform where people can learn about many religious faiths and the practices and practitioners that call each site sacred in hopes of a more unified understanding and acceptance of all faiths.

Key Points: 
  • Showcasing a curation of locations significant to major religions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism, the ranking reveals the top 10 most holy sites on Earth.
  • "Selecting only 100 of the most holy places on Earth was the most challenging aspect of this initiative because there are so many sacred sites around the world.
  • We could have easily included 500 additional sites filled with meaning," said Travis Henry, senior director of content at Patheos.
  • His approach considered multiple factors and parameters, including the number of faiths attributing sacred or holy status to each site.

On its 75th birthday, Israel still can't agree on what it means to be a Jewish state and a democracy

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Such strength and economic viability would be unfamiliar to the Jews whose identity was forged in the European diaspora.

Key Points: 
  • Such strength and economic viability would be unfamiliar to the Jews whose identity was forged in the European diaspora.
  • As many other groups had begun to do in Europe, they saw themselves as belonging to a national community.
  • There they could assume control of their historical destiny, not to be at the mercy of non-Jewish nations and rulers.
  • That is the central question that, more than a century later, has yet to be answered clearly and affirmatively.

Reconciling universal and particular

    • Herzl’s choice: the pluralist candidate prevailed.
    • But throughout the history of the Zionist movement and the state of Israel, what Herzl described has been a core source of tension.
    • This duality was on full display in Israel’s declaration of independence, in many ways the quintessential manifestation of political Zionism.
    • The nation, as a Jewish state with laws that protect minorities, would resolve the contradictions inherent in Zionist ideology.

After 1967, a transformation

    • For these upwardly mobile Israelis, known as the post-Zionists, the founding myths of a vulnerable young state no longer seemed relevant.
    • And they wanted to participate in the global economic market as the country transitioned from a state-run economy to the free market.
    • To this group, known as neo-Zionists, the ideal was a Jewish state as protection from the rapid changes engulfing the country.

Palestinian question disappears

    • Post-Zionists wanted peace, seeking a two-state solution that would see a Palestinian state next to Israel.
    • In the 21st century, in the aftermath of the peace process collapse and the second intifada, or Palestinian uprising, the Palestinian issue has virtually disappeared from Israel’s political landscape.
    • To the ruling coalition, the court has been a hindrance in pursuing policies advancing the country’s Jewish nature.

Egypt – Beach Paradise All Year Round

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Key Points: 
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230411005610/en/
    To this end, the number of flights to Egypt will be increased in the spring.
  • A total of 45 aircraft will take off every week from the DACH region to Egypt.
  • Dreamlike beaches and shallow, turquoise waters whisk travelers away to a carefree paradise.
  • Around the sandy beach of Orange Bay or Paradise Island beach on the southern tip of the island, untouched coral reefs and large schools of fish can be explored while snorkeling and diving.

Egypt Beats Classic UK Holiday Destinations in Both Attractiveness and Price

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 16, 2023

However, what many travellers do not know: For the price they spend on a holiday in these countries, they could experience more luxury and adventure in Egypt.

Key Points: 
  • However, what many travellers do not know: For the price they spend on a holiday in these countries, they could experience more luxury and adventure in Egypt.
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230216005515/en/
    Brits love to travel, but how much do they actually spend on their holidays?
  • According to National Institute of statistics (Ine), the British invested an average of £1,0001 per person on a trip in 2021.
  • In Egypt, two people can spend seven nights in a five-star hotel for less than the average price of a holiday in an Italian coastal region - all-inclusive, of course.

Save Money While Seeking the Sun: Cost Effective Winter Stays in Egypt

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, January 25, 2023

But, the rising cost of living over the past year could cause many to reconsider whether, or how, they travel.

Key Points: 
  • But, the rising cost of living over the past year could cause many to reconsider whether, or how, they travel.
  • While Egypt has long been on travelers’ radar, thanks to its low-cost of living, it has now become a popular long-stay winter destination.
  • Research collated by the Egyptian Government from a variety of tour operators shows a four-week winter sun stay costs, on average, €1 218 per couple.
  • From Cairo to Luxor, from the beguiling desert to the lush delta of the Nile, Egypt is a traveler's dream.

Inspiring Vacations Shares Top Egypt Experiences for Adventurers

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 10, 2023

According to Inspiring Vacations, leading provider of the best travel experiences around the world from tours of Cape York to Egypt tours, besides awe-inspiring monuments, there are plenty of natural wonders to explore in the oldest tourist destination on earth.

Key Points: 
  • According to Inspiring Vacations, leading provider of the best travel experiences around the world from tours of Cape York to Egypt tours, besides awe-inspiring monuments, there are plenty of natural wonders to explore in the oldest tourist destination on earth.
  • Inspiring Vacations says the gorgeous coastline offers endless experiences for thrill seekers during tours to Egypt .
  • Inspiring Vacations says windsurfing and kitesurfing are also popular coastal pastimes in Egypt.
  • To discover more and explore travel experiences around the world including Egypt adventures and tours to Cape York , visit Inspiring Vacations today.

Global religious leaders promote climate action during UN climate conference COP 27

Retrieved on: 
Monday, November 14, 2022

JERUSALEM, Nov. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Dozens of religious leaders, Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Buddhists from Egypt, the USA, Israel, India, Spain and Great Britain gathered Sunday, November 13th .22 at the base of Parliament Hill in London and at the same time in Sharm el-Sheikh, Jerusalem, and other places around the world in an excited call to the leaders around the world to act for climate repentance and to act according to the ten universal principles on climate, this is in the midst of the UN conference being held in Sharm el -Sheikh.

Key Points: 
  • For the first time, a Climate Repentance Ceremony, calling for people to repent and change people's destructive lifestyles and systems in order to save the planet.
  • The climate repentance ceremony was supposed to take place at Mount Sinai as part of the COP-27 climate conference taking place in Sharm el-Sheikh, part of the Sinai Peninsula and only 200 km from Mount Sinai.
  • Hopefully, events will encourage and empower religious communities in the world to mitigate climate change caused by humans, and promote the use ofrenewable energy.
  • The Ten Principles for Climate Repentance (mini versions) are:
    In addition, many houses of worship around the world joined together today with prayer and study focused on climate action to protect our environment.

The First Biblical Epic Feature Film Shot in Israel and Saudi Arabia at the Real Mount Sinai

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, June 29, 2021

It is the first Christian film with an entirely Israeli cast and crew, shot exclusively in Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Key Points: 
  • It is the first Christian film with an entirely Israeli cast and crew, shot exclusively in Israel and Saudi Arabia.
  • The crew was the first group to enter Saudi Arabia weeks after the Saudis opened the country in 2019 to international tourism for the first time in history.
  • Much of the stunning footage was captured around Jebel al-Lawz, the mountain in northwest Saudi Arabia believed by many to be the real Mount Sinai.
  • The cinematography, music, costumes, make-up, set design, and authentic locations set BALLADS OF THE EXODUS apart as the most unique Biblical film ever produced.