American writer and historian Mitch Horowitz sat down for an exclusive interview with Al-Masry Al-Youm in New York, where he stated that Egypt plays a vital role in supporting and bringing peace to Palestine, and that the only way to end the conflict is to reach a two-state solution and change the “corrupt” government run by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
■ How do you see Egypt’s role in supporting the Palestinian cause?
Egypt plays an important role in supporting the Palestinian cause, and always seeks to bring peace.
Nothing can happen towards resolving the current crisis in the Gaza Strip without Cairo.
Egypt is one of the most important countries in the Arab world and one of the nations most endowed with culture, history and civilization.
■The scene now is filled with ambiguity, especially with Israel’s intransigence. What is your vision for the solution?
The world is looking forward to Egypt taking the leadership role in achieving peace, and for President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to present his vision for the future of the Palestinian issue and work to achieve it, especially with the war on Gaza, and for the nations of the Arab region and the Middle East to participate.
On the other hand, I see that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has no solution or vision. Therefore, I affirm that Egypt is the leader and supporter of the two-state solution as the only way to the Palestinian issue, whether in the Gaza Strip or the West Bank.
I also reject all settlement activities carried out against the Palestinian lands.
■How do you see the consequences of October 7th?
The Palestinian people have suffered from persecution for decades, and are experiencing a tragedy through no fault of their own. It is unfortunate that the people of the Gaza Strip are paying the price for what Hamas did on October 7.
I see that most Palestinians hope for a new leadership, so the US must play a role here in order to establish legitimacy and democracy.
■You hold Hamas responsible for October 7, but what about Israel’s crimes against the people of Gaza?
I believe that there is an imperative necessity for the Israeli occupation army to bear the responsibility of avoiding targeting innocent civilians, despite casualties of about 30,000 in addition to thousands of wounded, and for the war to be limited to confronting the Hamas movement without resorting to terrorizing civilians, especially children and defenseless women.
■ And how do you evaluate Netanyahu’s position?
I believe that the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is tragic, corrupt and failed and must be changed. These are real and legitimate demands from the Israeli street, and they are just as important for a ceasefire and to stopping this war that has been ongoing and escalating for over 130 days, without the people of the Gaza Strip enjoying security or even access to food.
■Don’t you think that despite Israel’s violence and war crimes against Gaza, Hamas has achieved some success?
I don’t believe that the Hamas movement achieved success in a broad and comprehensive sense during its confrontations with the occupation forces, but I see that the movement held out to some extent – however it’s difficult to predict the future, especially in light of the failure to reach a long-term truce leading to a permanent ceasefire and then ending the war.
■ So, how might this happen?
Due to its strategic geography and its standing among the Arab countries and the Middle East, Egypt is qualified to lead any regional alliance vital to preserving Palestine as a state and establishing just peace.
■ What is your view of the position and role of the US President regarding the war on Gaza, despite his support for Ukraine?
US President Joe Biden, as leader of the most powerful country in the world, needs to have a vision and set rules for Netanyahu’s government. Unfortunately, even though I support him, Biden is weak and I see that former President Donald Trump has a chance to win the elections – which would prove tragic, especially for Ukraine as he will stop support for Kiev.
