Egyptian and Palestinian leaders convened to discuss efforts to maintain a ceasefire in Gaza and advance reconstruction plans, emphasizing Egyptian support for Palestinian rights. A $53 billion reconstruction plan aims to restore Gaza over five years, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts amid escalating violence and humanitarian concerns.
On March 24, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa convened to discuss the ongoing efforts to sustain a ceasefire in Gaza and initiate reconstruction. Madbouly emphasized the critical importance of preserving the ceasefire to foster early recovery, affirming Egypt’s steadfast support for the Palestinian populace and their entitlement to their homeland.
During the discussions, Madbouly outlined an Egypt-initiated reconstruction plan for Gaza, which received endorsement at an emergency Arab summit earlier this month. The plan aims for extensive coordination with regional and international stakeholders to facilitate its execution, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Prime Minister Mustafa echoed the necessity of upholding the ceasefire, highlighting its role in enabling recovery efforts. He updated Madbouly on Palestine’s ongoing diplomatic initiatives with various Arab, Islamic, and global entities to manage the Gaza situation, including preparations for a reconstruction conference scheduled in Cairo.
Both leaders concurred on the necessity of ongoing consultations and coordination to advance the reconstruction efforts and ensure the maintenance of the ceasefire. The Arab summit, held on March 4, sanctioned a $53 billion initiative targeting the reconstruction of Gaza over five years without displacing its residents.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has rapidly declined, particularly following the intensification of Israeli airstrikes, which ended a two-month truce, resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives. According to UN estimates, the conflict has led to approximately 50,000 Palestinian fatalities, primarily among women and children, while ravaging over 60% of homes and 65% of road infrastructure.
Health authorities in Gaza reported on the casualties, stating that 673 individuals have been killed, and 1,233 others wounded since the escalation. Support for the Arab plan has also been expressed by the European Union, targeting the mitigation of proposed US-Israeli strategies that risk displacing Gaza’s population.
The five-year initiative revolves around securing stable housing for the 2 million Gazans, most of whom are war refugees, while establishing fundamental services and crucial infrastructure, including an airport. Politically, a committee of Palestinian professionals and independent technocrats will administrate Gaza, currently governed by Hamas, until the Palestinian Authority resumes control under this proposed framework.
The discussions between the Egyptian and Palestinian leaders underscore a commitment to maintaining a ceasefire and advancing reconstruction efforts in Gaza. The proposed $53 billion plan aims to address the urgent humanitarian crisis while ensuring the rights of Gazans are upheld. Continued coordination between Egypt and Palestine is essential to achieve these objectives and alleviate the suffering in Gaza.
Original Source: www.socialnews.xyz
