On Thursday, details were revealed about Egypt’s plans to rebuild Gaza. These included a promise to not relocate Palestinians or to threaten Hamas terrorists backed by Iran.
Egypt announced Tuesday that its own Gaza reconstruction plan would be presented after Abdel Fatah el Sissi canceled a scheduled trip to the White House for February 18.
Mohamed Hegazy, former Egyptian Foreign Minister, told Al-Ahram (a Cairo-based news outlet) that Egypt’s plans also aim to revitalize the local economy, to help Gaza recover after the devastating attack, and to restore minimum livable conditions before moving on to a full reconstruction phase.
Hegazy stated that the reconstruction plan provided an opportunity to reaffirm global support and secure funds and materials for immediate implementation.
He stated that it was vital to save the Gazans from disaster and pave the path for a successful recovery phase, followed by reconstruction. “
Al-Arabiya TV in Cairo reported that the plan includes the construction of safe housing units within 18 months. Al-Arabiya TV, Cairo reports that the plan for reconstruction includes the construction of safe housing units in 18 months.
Al-Arabiya said that Egypt will complete its plan by next week and propose initiating the initial phase following an emergency Arab summit in Cairo on February 27. In addition, the network referred to ongoing discussions between Egypt, Arab nations, and Europe as preparation for a Gaza Reconstruction Conference, with wide European involvement.
Al-Arabiya reported that “Cairo has confirmed several European countries have expressed their willingness to participate” in Gaza reconstruction efforts.
Hegazy said that the Cairo Summit would consolidate a framework supporting the Palestinian presence and rejecting calls for forced relocation.
He stated that “the simple calling for the removal of a particular group from its land is a war crime and should be prosecuted in principle.”
Hegazy said that this position is supported by not only Egypt but also by the Arab World, and the International Community (including European nations, global organizations, and other international organizations), who have all condemned these talks as violating international law and U.N. resolutions.
He expressed concern about the possibility that the crisis could escalate into a situation in which it would threaten the peace foundations of the region.