Egypt has condemned Israel’s airstrikes in Gaza, fearing they will derail peace efforts and reconstruction plans. The recent violence complicates negotiations and raises concerns about regional stability, displacement of Gazans, and future international support for Gaza’s recovery. Egypt is committed to countering these attacks and pursuing an effective reconstruction strategy for the war-torn territory.
Egypt has expressed strong condemnation of recent Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, fearing that the breakdown of the ceasefire may jeopardize peacekeeping efforts and escalate regional violence. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry labeled these attacks as a “flagrant violation” of existing ceasefire agreements and warned of severe repercussions for regional stability.
The Israeli assaults coincide with close to three weeks of intensive negotiations between Hamas and Israel, facilitated by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, aimed at extending the Gaza ceasefire. The proposals discussed include the conditional release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for the continuation of the ceasefire until mid-April.
Numerous hostages remain in detention, including 22 Israeli nationals among others. Israeli officials have suggested that they might intensify military actions to compel Hamas to accept the proposed ceasefire terms, while Hamas has denied accusations of planning further hostilities. The ongoing military actions have resulted in over 400 fatalities in Gaza, with additional injuries and casualties remaining beneath the debris of collapsed structures, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
There is increasing concern in Egypt that the renewed attacks are intended to displace Gaza’s population as part of a larger strategy linked to U.S. President Trump’s vision for a “Middle East Riviera”. Despite President Trump’s assurance that there would be no expulsions of Palestinians, Egyptian analysts suggest that current actions by Israel indicate a concerted effort to drive residents from Gaza.
This situation raises fears of a mass exodus of Gazans into Sinai, putting Egypt in a precarious position and provoking tensions with Israel. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s commitment to maintaining secure borders, emphasizing that actions leading to forced displacement would violate the principles of the 1979 peace treaty with Israel.
As host of an upcoming international conference designed to garner support for the reconstruction of Gaza, Egypt is working diligently toward a comprehensive plan. This initiative, which has received approval from various Arab states, outlines a recovery timeline that includes temporary shelter for thousands of displaced residents and the removal of about 50 million tonnes of debris within the first six months, projected to cost $3 billion.
The proposed phases encompass building 400,000 flats over multiple years to accommodate projected population growth, alongside the creation of essential infrastructure such as ports and an airport. Initial resistance from both the U.S. and Israel has been noted; however, Egypt remains committed to pursuing its reconstruction plan despite these challenges.
Ongoing Israeli military actions are seen as attempts to negate Egyptian efforts, as analysts believe these assaults aim to eradicate Hamas and disrupt plans for Gaza’s recovery. Egyptian authorities are expected to intensify diplomatic efforts to establish a coalition aimed at halting Israel’s military operations, seeking to protect Gaza’s future.
In summary, Egypt’s apprehensions regarding Israel’s airstrikes are based on fears that the resurgence of violence will undermine the reconstruction plans for Gaza and exacerbate regional tensions. The international community’s response and Egypt’s strategic diplomatic efforts will be crucial in addressing the unfolding situation. The outcomes of these developments will significantly affect the humanitarian and political landscape of Gaza and its inhabitants.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
