Egypt has proposed to the UN Security Council the deployment of international peacekeeping forces in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. This initiative seeks to support the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and aid in the reconstruction of Gaza’s healthcare system. Notably, there is increasing regional support for an Arab-led initiative towards rebuilding Gaza, stressing the importance of a ceasefire and Palestinian administrative control.
Egypt has proposed to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) the deployment of an international presence in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. This initiative was announced by Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty during a meeting in Cairo, which aimed to discuss the rehabilitation of Gaza’s healthcare system. He mentioned that the proposal calls for a Security Council resolution to establish peacekeeping or international protection forces in the region.
Abdelatty emphasized that this measure would be implemented through a Security Council resolution that outlines clear mandates and timelines, aimed at ensuring the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. However, he did not provide details regarding the current status of the proposal. This suggestion aligns with a similar resolution made during an emergency Arab summit on Gaza held in Egypt on March 4, which called for peacekeeping forces in Palestinian territories to support broader political efforts towards statehood.
Furthermore, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry noted an increase in regional and international support for an Arab-led initiative focused on the reconstruction of Gaza and safeguarding its Palestinian population from displacement. Abdelatty underscored the necessity of achieving a lasting ceasefire and collaborating with Palestinian leadership to oversee recovery efforts while reinforcing Gaza’s status as a fundamental part of Palestine.
To bolster security, Egypt and Jordan have initiated training programs for Palestinian police officers who will be deployed in Gaza. Since the start of Israel’s military offensive in October 2023, over 48,500 Palestinians have been killed, predominantly civilians, and more than 112,000 have sustained injuries, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis before a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement was reached on January 19, 2024.
In a related note, US President Donald Trump previously suggested that the United States could take control of Gaza to transform it into the “Riviera of the Middle East,” which sparked significant backlash. Following this, he clarified that “nobody is expelling Palestinians,” addressing the concerns raised by various stakeholders.
In summary, Egypt is advocating for the deployment of UN peacekeeping forces in Gaza and the West Bank to facilitate the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and to support humanitarian efforts. As Egypt coordinates international backing for a reconstruction plan in Gaza, the emphasis remains on securing a ceasefire and restoring Palestinian administrative control in the region. Continued dialogue and regional cooperation are essential for the realization of these objectives, particularly amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
