Egypt’s Foreign Minister announced a finalized Gaza reconstruction plan aimed at Palestinian residence and set to be presented at an Arab summit. Amid opposition to a U.S. proposal for Gaza, Egypt seeks international support, especially from Europe. The humanitarian crisis persists as Israel blocks aid truck entries. Egypt remains committed to maintaining and advancing the ceasefire, despite ongoing challenges.
On Sunday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty announced that Egypt’s comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza, aimed at ensuring Palestinians’ residence in their homeland, is finalized and will be presented at an emergency Arab summit in Cairo on Tuesday. In response to President Donald Trump’s proposal advocating for U.S. control over Gaza and the resettlement of Palestinians, Arab states are uniting to formulate a diplomatic strategy to oppose this initiative.
The proposal, introduced by President Trump on February 4 amidst a precarious ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, has generated significant discontent among Palestinians and Arab nations, as it deviates from the traditional U.S. approach favoring a two-state solution. Abdelatty stressed the importance of acquiring international support and funding for the reconstruction plan, specifically highlighting the vital role of European nations in financing efforts.
He stated, “We will hold intensive talks with major donor countries once the plan is adopted at the upcoming Arab Summit.” Meanwhile, Israel has impeded the access of humanitarian aid trucks to Gaza, intensifying tensions surrounding the ceasefire that has successfully paused hostilities for the last six weeks. Abdelatty denounced the use of aid as a tool for collective punishment and called for its immediate provision.
With the initial phase of the ceasefire now concluded, Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s commitment to the agreed terms, which are expected to transition into a subsequent phase. He conveyed that while challenges remain, progress is feasible through goodwill and political resolve, stating, “It will be difficult, but with goodwill and political determination, it can be achieved.”
Furthermore, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office indicated adherence to a U.S. proposal for a temporary ceasefire during the Ramadan and Passover periods, while Abdelatty outlined plans for an urgent meeting among the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation foreign ministers in Saudi Arabia to deliberate on the plans post-summit. He emphasized, “We will ensure that the results of the Arab summit are presented to the world in the best possible way.”
In summary, Egypt’s reconstruction plan for Gaza is poised for presentation at the upcoming Arab summit, emphasizing the Palestinian right to remain in their territory. The proposal seeks international support, particularly from Europe, while addressing pressing humanitarian issues exacerbated by the existing ceasefire situation. Egypt remains committed to moving forward with diplomatic efforts to secure peace and aid for the region despite challenges ahead.
Original Source: gazette.com
