Egypt denounces renewed Israeli attacks in Gaza, warning they may undermine ceasefire and reconstruction efforts. The Israeli military actions follow proposed ceasefire negotiations involving hostage releases. Concerns in Egypt grow regarding possible depopulation strategies and the potential influx of refugees, challenging regional stability and prompting Egypt to secure international assistance for Gaza’s reconstruction.
In the face of escalating Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, Egypt has expressed alarm over the potential collapse of the ceasefire, fearing it may disrupt stability in the region and hinder reconstruction plans for Gaza. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks, labeling them a “flagrant violation” of the ceasefire and emphasizing their harmful implications for regional peace.
Israel’s military actions have reignited tensions just after substantial indirect negotiations involving Hamas and Israel in Doha and Cairo. Reports indicate that U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff attempted to propose terms to extend the ceasefire, which included conditions related to the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Despite Israel’s claims that Hamas is procrastinating regarding these negotiations, the group firmly denies such allegations. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, the renewed Israeli operations have resulted in more than 400 fatalities and around 400 injuries, with many victims trapped under collapsed buildings.
Concerns are rising in Egypt regarding a possible Israeli strategy to compel Gazans to flee, aligning with expectations for a transformation of Gaza as proposed in U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision for a “Middle East Riviera.” Egyptian analysts assert that depopulating Gaza is a significant agenda for Israel, encountering resistance from the region’s Arab states and the Gazan populace.
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi emphasized Egypt’s commitment to maintaining secure borders during an emergency Arab summit, identifying forced relocations as a violation of international norms. Furthermore, Egypt has continually rejected proposals suggesting it take in refugees from Gaza.
As Egypt endeavors to secure international assistance for Gaza’s reconstruction, the recent Israeli attacks jeopardize these efforts. An international conference is planned for next month at which Egypt will seek funding for a comprehensive reconstruction plan projected to unfold over five years, costing an estimated $53 billion across its three implementation phases.
The Egyptian reconstruction initiative aims to build housing and infrastructure, and while it has garnered some support, it has been met with rejection from Israel. Analysts assert that Israel’s military actions are aimed at thoroughly dismantling Hamas, undermining Egypt’s initiatives for restoring stability in Gaza. Such developments may provoke Egypt to intensify diplomatic efforts to exert pressure on Israel to cease its military campaign.
The situation in Gaza remains precarious, with renewed Israeli airstrikes threatening both the ceasefire and Egypt’s reconstruction strategy for the territory. Concerns over a humanitarian crisis loom, as Egypt actively seeks international support to restore order and rebuild Gaza. The prospect of escalating violence poses a significant risk to regional stability, ultimately compelling Egypt to reassess its diplomatic strategies to counter Israel’s military objectives.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
