Egypt has proposed the UN Security Council deploy peacekeeping forces in Gaza and the West Bank to bolster efforts towards establishing an independent Palestinian state. This initiative was discussed by Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty during a meeting on rehabilitating Gaza’s healthcare, seeking broader international support. The proposal aligns with recent calls for Arab-led reconstruction efforts and highlights the importance of a ceasefire and Palestinian Authority control in Gaza.
Egypt has proposed the consideration of deploying an international presence in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This proposal was articulated by Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty during a meeting in Cairo, which focused on rehabilitating Gaza’s healthcare system. The initiative aims to establish peacekeeping or international protection forces, as outlined by a potential Security Council resolution intended to facilitate the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
During the meeting, Abdelatty remarked that, “This will be done through the adoption of a Security Council resolution to deploy peacekeeping or international protection forces with clear mandates and powers, under a timetable that ensures the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.” The current status of the proposal remains unclear.
A similar initiative was supported at an Arab summit on Gaza held in Egypt on March 4, which called for peacekeeping forces to be stationed in both Palestinian territories to aid broader political goals of achieving statehood. Egypt’s Foreign Ministry has noted increasing regional and international support for an Arab-led effort to rebuild Gaza and prevent the displacement of its residents.
To ensure the success of the reconstruction plan, Abdelatty stressed the necessity of achieving a lasting ceasefire. He underscored the importance of coordinating early recovery efforts with the Palestinian leadership and reaffirming Gaza’s integral connection to Palestinian territory. Furthermore, he highlighted the need for the Palestinian Authority to reclaim administrative control over Gaza.
In preparation for such developments, Egypt and Jordan have commenced training Palestinian police officers for deployment in Gaza. Since the onset of Israel’s military offensive in October 2023, over 48,500 Palestinians, predominantly civilians, have lost their lives, and more than 112,000 have been injured. The conflict inflicted severe devastation on the region prior to the implementation of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement on January 19.
Amid these discussions, former US President Donald Trump proposed last month that the United States could assume control of Gaza, envisioning it as the “Riviera of the Middle East” while aiming to prevent the return of displaced Palestinians. After facing extensive criticism, Trump later retracted a portion of this proposal, asserting that, “nobody is expelling Palestinians.”
In conclusion, Egypt’s proposal to the United Nations Security Council for peacekeeping forces in Gaza and the West Bank reflects a crucial step towards addressing the ongoing crisis. The initiative aims to foster a peaceful environment conducive to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Furthermore, the emphasis on regional cooperation and international support underscores the urgent need for reconstruction and recovery efforts in Gaza following the devastating impacts of military actions. The political implications of this proposal, alongside the need for a ceasefire, reveal the complexities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and potential avenues for resolution.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
