Egypt has proposed deploying UN peacekeeping forces in Gaza and the West Bank to support Palestinian statehood and a lasting ceasefire. The plan emphasizes substantial reconstruction efforts for Gaza contingent upon maintaining peace and Palestinian leadership. Key stakeholders, particularly Israel and the United States, have shown resistance to this proposal, favoring alternatives that do not align with comprehensive Palestinian rights. The situation is further complicated by ongoing negotiations between Hamas and Israel regarding a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement.
Egypt is advocating for a United Nations (UN) presence in Gaza and the West Bank, proposing the establishment of UN-backed peacekeeping forces aimed at facilitating Palestinian statehood and ensuring a durable ceasefire. During a meeting in Cairo with foreign diplomats and representatives of international organizations, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty revealed plans for the UN Security Council to consider this initiative.
Abdelatty explained that the proposal requests a UNSC resolution to deploy international peacekeeping forces with clear mandates and timelines to establish a Palestinian state. He clarified that while the proposal is under consideration, he did not provide specific details regarding its current status. The earlier emergency Arab summit in Cairo on March 4 also addressed this issue in its final statement.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry has emphasized that the Arab plan for Gaza’s reconstruction, which was endorsed by the Arab Summit, has gained considerable support from regional and international stakeholders. Egypt is currently focused on organizing a reconstruction conference in Cairo to secure necessary funding for this plan. Abdelatty emphasized vital conditions for the plan’s success, which include maintaining a ceasefire in Gaza and ensuring Palestinian leadership in the reconstruction process.
The minister stressed the importance of recognizing Gaza as part of Palestinian territories and enabling the Palestinian Authority to return and manage affairs through a non-factional committee under its umbrella. Furthermore, it was noted that Egypt and Jordan have commenced training Palestinian police forces in preparation for their future deployment to Gaza.
The reconstruction initiative aims for a comprehensive rebuild of Gaza over a five-year period with an estimated budget of $53 billion, while ensuring that Palestinian residents remain on their land. However, both Israel and the United States have rejected this plan, favoring a proposal previously endorsed by former US President Donald Trump which suggested relocating Palestinians to neighboring countries.
Additionally, the first phase of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement between Hamas and Israel, brokered by Qatar and Egypt with US cooperation, was completed on March 1, 2025. This agreement, initiated on January 19, has not yet moved to its second phase as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is hesitant to advance without securing more Israeli prisoners’ release, opposing commitments to end military operations and withdraw from Gaza which Hamas requires.
In conclusion, Egypt’s push for a UN presence in Gaza and the West Bank signifies a critical step towards establishing a Palestinian state and maintaining a ceasefire. The promotion of an international force, alongside the Arab reconstruction plan, highlights regional efforts to support Palestinian efforts amid ongoing challenges posed by the rejection of these initiatives by Israel and the United States. The situation remains complex, marked by ongoing negotiations and the need for cooperative leadership in the region.
Original Source: www.palestinechronicle.com
