Egypt discusses Gaza reconstruction plan with foreign ambassadors

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty met on Monday with over 100 foreign ambassadors and international representatives on Monday to discuss efforts to restore Gaza’s healthcare sector as part of a broader reconstruction initiative.

Egypt’s Comprehensive Reconstruction Plan

Minister Abdel-Aty outlined Egypt’s coordinated reconstruction strategy, which has been developed in partnership with the Palestinian government. He emphasised that the success of this plan depends on several key factors. These include securing a lasting ceasefire, managing early recovery and reconstruction efforts under Palestinian ownership, and recognizing Gaza as an integral part of Palestinian territory. He also stressed the importance of reinstating Palestinian Authority governance in Gaza through an independent, non-factional transitional committee.

The foreign minister also stated that Egypt and Jordan have already begun training Palestinian police officers in preparation for their future deployment in Gaza.

International Support and Peacekeeping Considerations

Minister Abdel-Aty highlighted the widespread international support for Egypt’s reconstruction plan. He also announced that Egypt is preparing to host a Gaza reconstruction conference in Cairo with the aim of securing the necessary funding for the rebuilding efforts.

In addition, he discussed a proposal for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to consider establishing an international presence in Gaza and the West Bank. He suggested that this could involve the UNSC passing a resolution to deploy peacekeeping or protection forces with a clear mandate and timeline. He stated that such a move would be aimed at supporting the long-term goal of establishing an independent Palestinian state.

Gaza’s Healthcare Crisis and Egypt’s Emergency Response

During the meeting, Egypt’s Minister of Health Khaled Abdel Ghaffar presented a detailed report on the deteriorating healthcare conditions in Gaza. He noted that more than 70 per cent of Gaza’s medical facilities are currently out of service due to severe supply shortages.

The health minister also outlined Egypt’s emergency medical response, which has provided medical treatment and assistance to more than 107,000 Palestinians who have entered Egypt since the start of the war. He revealed that the total cost of these medical services has already exceeded $570 million.

In addition to emergency support, Minister Abdel Ghaffar presented Egypt’s long-term plan to rebuild Gaza’s healthcare system. He provided details on the projected costs and the key initiatives that will focus on rebuilding medical infrastructure and addressing essential healthcare needs in the enclave.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: M. S. Salama

Subediting: Y.Yasser