Egypt and Qatar have engaged in discussions aimed at stabilizing the Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchanges involving Hamas and Israel. Key priorities include enhancing humanitarian aid, following up on prior Arab summits, and implementing a significant reconstruction plan with an estimated $53 billion cost, all amid ongoing legal challenges for Israeli officials regarding war crimes.
Egypt and Qatar recently convened to discuss measures aimed at reinforcing the Gaza ceasefire and the potential for prisoner exchanges between Hamas and Israel. The discussions took place in Doha between Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, coinciding with ongoing negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire agreement executed earlier.
During the meeting, emphasis was placed on enhancing humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza to address the urgent needs of the Palestinian population. An Egyptian Foreign Ministry statement highlighted the significance of solidifying bilateral relations in light of these discussions.
The officials evaluated previous outcomes from a recent extraordinary Arab summit in Cairo and a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held in Jeddah. They also explored strategies to advance an Arab reconstruction plan for Gaza, which aims to secure necessary funding and ensure that Palestinians are not displaced during the rebuilding process.
The comprehensive reconstruction plan is expected to unfold over five years at an estimated cost of $53 billion, serving as a response to earlier proposals that sought to displace residents, which elicited widespread condemnation. Since the onset of brutal hostilities in October 2023, approximately 50,000 individuals, primarily women and children, have lost their lives due to Israeli military actions in Gaza.
The ongoing ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement have halted hostilities, while recent legal actions have led to arrest warrants against Israeli officials for alleged war crimes. Furthermore, Israel is currently involved in a genocide case at the International Court of Justice, underscoring the gravity of the situation in Gaza.
The discussions between Egypt and Qatar signify a crucial step towards stabilizing the ceasefire in Gaza and facilitating humanitarian aid. The planned reconstruction of Gaza, along with the commitment to uphold the rights of its residents, reflects the regional desire for a peaceful and sustainable solution. The ongoing legal challenges facing Israeli leadership further complicate the geopolitical landscape, necessitating continued diplomatic efforts to protect the humanitarian integrity of Palestinian lives.
Original Source: news.az
