Egypt unveils Gaza reconstruction plan 'with Arab consensus'
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Abdel Aati's remarks come as Egypt remains firm in its rejection of any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza.
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Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aati attends his meeting with Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati in Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, January 31, 2025. (AP)
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aati said on Sunday that Cairo has a clear vision for the reconstruction of Gaza and an Arab consensus on the matter. He confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the United Nations to coordinate efforts in this framework.
"We have a clear vision for the reconstruction of Gaza and an Arab consensus on this matter, and we are engaging in discussions with the United Nations in this framework," the top diplomat said during a joint press conference with Djibouti's Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
Abdel Aati emphasized that the reconstruction process is part of a phased approach aimed at fostering a credible political process that would lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state. "This process represents a first phase, leading to the launch of a credible political process that would result in the establishment of a Palestinian state to prevent recurring cycles of violence and aggression," he stated. "This is the only way to achieve security and stability in the region."
His remarks come as Egypt remains firm in its rejection of any attempts to displace Palestinians from Gaza forcibly. Just days earlier, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi strongly opposed US efforts to pressure Cairo into accepting Palestinian refugees, calling such a move an "act of injustice" that would jeopardize Egypt's national security. El-Sisi stated that "the deportation or displacement of the Palestinian people is an injustice in which we cannot participate," reinforcing Egypt's long-standing position against any forced population transfers.
In line with this stance, Abdel Aati stressed the urgency of implementing early recovery projects in Gaza, particularly in critical sectors such as drinking water, sanitation, and healthcare, alongside the continuous entry of humanitarian aid. "Egypt is preparing a plan in collaboration with the United Nations in this regard," he noted.
Read more: Trump pressures Egypt, Jordan to accept Gazans, hints at aid cuts: FT
Addressing efforts to sustain the ceasefire, Abdel Aati reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to executing the agreed-upon truce in three phases. He further called for ensuring sustained humanitarian access to Gaza, including the full entry of shelter materials, food, and medical supplies, to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
Meanwhile, Hamas held "Israel" responsible for delaying the implementation of relief and reconstruction measures stipulated in the ceasefire agreement. "The Israeli occupation is stalling in implementing the relief and reconstruction measures stipulated in the ceasefire agreement," the movement stated on Sunday.
