Implications of Renewed Israeli Attacks on Gaza for Egypt’s Reconstruction Efforts

Egypt has condemned the recent Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, fearing they may derail reconstruction efforts and provoke regional unrest. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry denounces these attacks as violations of the ceasefire. As tensions rise, Egypt works to gather international support for Gaza’s reconstruction, which faces significant challenges due to ongoing violence and political disagreements.

Egypt has expressed strong condemnation of the renewed Israeli airstrikes on various locations in the Gaza Strip. The Egyptian government fears that the breakdown of the ceasefire and ongoing violence may hinder efforts to restore peace and lead to broader regional unrest. Furthermore, there are concerns that these attacks could undermine Egypt’s proposed reconstruction plan for Gaza.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry issued a statement characterizing the Israeli strikes as a “flagrant violation” of the existing ceasefire, warning that such actions bear dire implications for regional stability. The ministry added, “Egypt categorically rejects Israeli aggressions that aim to bring tensions back to the region and foil efforts to bring calm back and restore stability.”

Early Tuesday, Israel’s attacks followed intense indirect negotiations conducted in Doha and Cairo over nearly three weeks between Hamas and Israel. US special envoy Steve Witkoff was involved in these discussions, suggesting a bridge proposal designed to extend the initial phase of the ceasefire that commenced in mid-January. This proposal reportedly includes the release of half of the captives held by Hamas as part of the ceasefire extension.

Currently, an estimated 24 captives remain with Hamas, consisting of 22 Israeli nationals, one Thai national, and one Nepalese national. Israeli leadership is believed to employ renewed military action to coerce acceptance of the US proposal. Far-right Israeli lawmakers have accused Hamas of stalling negotiations to prolong the ceasefire.

Amid these developments, the Palestinian Health Ministry has reported over 400 fatalities due to the Israeli assaults, with hundreds more injured and many victims trapped beneath rubble.

Egyptian analysts express concerns that renewed Israeli military actions could aim to displace the residents of Gaza, facilitating the realization of US President Donald Trump’s “Middle East Riviera” vision. Despite assurances from President Trump that “nobody is expelling any Palestinians”, experts suggest Israel’s actions reveal a strategic intent to effectuate depopulation in Gaza.

“Depopulating Gaza is a principal Israeli plan that faces strong opposition from Egypt and other Arab states,” noted Egyptian international relations specialist Ahmed Abdel Meguid. He emphasized that Gazans show steadfast resolve to remain despite their suffering.

The escalation in violence raises fears in Egypt of a mass exodus of Gaza residents into Sinai. Should such a situation arise, Egypt would be compelled to provide refuge, potentially leading to heightened tensions with Israel. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi reaffirmed the importance of the 1979 peace treaty with Israel, citing legal obligations against actions that would forcibly displace inhabitants from their land.

As Egypt continues to mobilize international backing for Gaza’s reconstruction, it is set to host an international conference next month to secure financial resources for rebuilding efforts. This comprehensive reconstruction plan, which has garnered support from Arab nations, entails a phased approach over five years, with an initial recovery phase costing approximately $3 billion.

The initial phase includes the provision of temporary shelters for displaced residents and removal of debris, while subsequent phases will focus on constructing housing for the growing population. The third phase seeks to add an additional 200,000 flats, in conjunction with essential infrastructure, including ports and an airport.

Despite initial rejection of the plan by the US and outright dismissal from Israel due to concerns regarding Hamas’s governance, Egypt’s reconstruction efforts now face renewed setbacks due to ongoing Israeli military actions. As political analysts assert, these hostilities threaten to unravel any progress made towards revitalizing Gaza, prompting Egypt to intensify its diplomatic efforts to influence Israel’s military strategies.

“Egyptian contacts in these hours will mainly aim to sabotage the Israeli plan to bring us back to square one,” commented Palestinian political analyst Jehad el-Harazin.

In summary, the renewed Israeli airstrikes on Gaza pose a significant threat to Egypt’s reconstruction efforts and the stability of the region. Egypt’s condemnation of the attacks highlights the potential for escalating violence and underscores Cairo’s commitment to supporting Gaza while resisting plans that could lead to depopulation. As Egypt seeks international support to advance its reconstruction plan, the ongoing conflict complicates these ambitions, making diplomatic engagement crucial for preventing further deterioration of the situation.

Original Source: www.newarab.com