Egypt and Qatar Discuss Gaza Ceasefire Stabilization and Humanitarian Aid Efforts

Egypt and Qatar held talks to stabilize the Gaza ceasefire and negotiate a prisoner exchange, stressing the need for humanitarian aid and discussing reconstruction plans. The discussions followed significant humanitarian and reconciliation efforts between the two countries amid ongoing violence in Gaza.

On Wednesday, Egypt and Qatar convened discussions aimed at stabilizing the Gaza ceasefire and negotiating a prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met in Doha to engage in these crucial talks, which follow the initiation of a new round of negotiations to advance the second phase of the ceasefire agreement.

The dialogue underscored the importance of enhancing bilateral relations, facilitating the exchange of hostages, and addressing humanitarian needs in Gaza, as stated by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry. Moreover, both officials highlighted the necessity of increasing the flow of humanitarian aid to alleviate urgent Palestinian needs.

Additionally, the talks included discussions on the implementation of an Arab reconstruction plan for Gaza and the essential steps to secure funding for this initiative. This comprehensive plan, developed during an extraordinary Arab summit in Cairo on March 4, aims to rebuild Gaza over five years at a projected cost of approximately $53 billion, without displacing its residents.

The Arab proposal arose in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial plan that had faced significant backlash as it was perceived as a means of ethnic cleansing. Since October 2023, over 50,000 individuals, primarily women and children, have perished due to the ongoing war on Gaza, although a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement initiated in January paused the violence.

The International Criminal Court recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice concerning its actions against the enclave.

In summary, the talks between Egypt and Qatar reflect a concerted effort to stabilize the Gaza ceasefire and address humanitarian issues while pursuing a reconstruction plan. The dialogue signifies a critical response to the humanitarian crisis stemming from ongoing violence. The urgent need for conducive diplomatic efforts and comprehensive solutions remains paramount as the situation continues to evolve in Gaza.

Original Source: news.az