Egypt and US Collaborate on Gaza Reconstruction Initiatives

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and White House Envoy Steve Witkoff have agreed to coordinate efforts on Gaza’s reconstruction plan, focusing on revitalizing the enclave post-conflict. The plan, approved in March 2025, aims to rebuild without displacing residents, estimated to take five years and cost around $53 billion, amid grave humanitarian concerns following ongoing violence.

On Wednesday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reached an agreement with White House Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff regarding the coordination of a reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip. This agreement aims to serve as the foundation for reconstruction efforts in the enclave, pursued during discussions held in Qatar alongside Arab foreign ministers.

The Egyptian Foreign Minister provided an overview of the Arab plan for Gaza’s reconstruction, which received approval at the extraordinary Arab Summit in Cairo on March 4, 2025. Abdelatty and his US counterparts agreed to maintain ongoing consultations and coordination on this plan to support restoration efforts for stability in the region.

The US envoy commended Egypt’s initiatives in fostering peace and stability throughout the Middle East. The reconstruction proposal, endorsed by an Arab summit and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, emphasizes rebuilding Gaza without displacing its Palestinian residents, estimated to require around $53 billion and spanning five years.

This comprehensive plan arose in response to US President Donald Trump’s previous proposal that aimed to transform Gaza into a tourist destination by relocating Palestinians, which was deemed unacceptable by the Arab world and deemed ethnic cleansing by many. Since October 2023, over 48,500 casualties, primarily among women and children, have been reported due to ongoing violence in Gaza, which partially ceased under a ceasefire and prisoner swap agreement in January.

Additionally, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and violations against humanity stemming from actions in Gaza. Israel now faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice for its military operations in the enclave.

The recent agreement between Egypt and the US highlights a concerted effort toward the reconstruction of Gaza following immense destruction. With a comprehensive plan in place, the focus remains on stabilizing the region and ensuring the safety of its residents. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely amid grave humanitarian concerns and ongoing legal implications for Israeli officials.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr