FM Abdelatty's remarks came as Egypt hosted the fourth meeting of the International Alliance for Implementing the Two-State Solution, an initiative launched by Saudi Arabia in October 2024.
The meeting convened with the participation of Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA); Sigrid Kaag, the UN senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza and UN coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process; and with representatives from over 35 countries, regional organizations, and international entities.
During his opening remarks, Abdelatty emphasized that any proposals advocating the displacement of Palestinians constitute a clear violation of international law and relevant UN resolutions, warning that such actions would seriously threaten regional stability.
One way out!
He reaffirmed that the two-state solution "remains the only viable path to achieving lasting peace and security for all peoples of the Middle East."
Earlier in February, US President Donald Trump proposed "taking over" Gaza and deporting its population of almost two million to neighbouring countries, such as Egypt and Jordan.
The proposal sparked widespread global condemnation, with Egypt and Jordan swiftly rejecting it and condemning it as an attempt to liquidate the Palestinian cause.
Reaffirming Egypt’s unwavering dedication to the full realization of the two-state solution, Abdelatty emphasized the necessity of establishing an independent Palestinian state on the entirety of Palestinian national territory, including the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Abdelatty addressed Gaza's humanitarian crisis, stressing the urgent need for an early recovery process while ensuring Palestinians' right to remain on their land.
He underscored that Gaza’s reconstruction "must be carried out within a clearly defined and structured timeframe."
Egypt's top diplomat pointed out that Cairo is actively developing a comprehensive, multi-phase plan for Gaza's early recovery and reconstruction.
Recently, Al Arabiya TV reported that Egypt's Gaza reconstruction plan prioritizes early recovery, rehabilitating the infrastructure, intensifying humanitarian aid, and revitalizing the economy.
The report added that Egypt expects to finalize the plan by next week. The plan's first phase should begin after the emergency Arab summit in Cairo.
During the meeting, Abdelatty further praised the United States for facilitating the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel and emphasized its key role in overseeing and ensuring the implementation of the agreement's three phases.
UNRWA is irreplaceable!
Abdelatty stressed that the escalating humanitarian crisis in the occupied Palestinian territories highlights the urgent need to support UNRWA, citing its invaluable role that makes it indispensable and irreplaceable.
He rejected alternatives to the agency, condemned Israeli laws that block its operations, and emphasized Israel's responsibility to uphold its obligations under international law.
For his part, Lazzarini praised Egypt’s support for the agency and highlighted the importance of its leadership in upholding Gaza’s ceasefire.
He emphasized UNRWA’s essential role in providing humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people despite challenges posed by Israeli restrictions, calling for immediate food assistance and coordinated international efforts to address the ongoing crisis.
Gaza's revival!
On the sidelines of the fourth meeting of the International Alliance for Implementing the Two-State Solution, Egypt's foreign minister and Lazzarini discussed UNRWA's evaluation of Gaza's relief and recovery needs.
They also reviewed the scale of destruction in Gaza, the estimated timeline for reconstruction, and the projected rebuilding costs.
In a separate meeting, Abdelatty and the UN senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza discussed the preparations for a conference on Gaza reconstruction that Egypt intends to organize in collaboration with the United Nations, the international community, and financial institutions.
The foreign minister presented a detailed overview of the various stages and timelines for Egypt’s plan for early recovery and rebuilding in Gaza.
Gaza's damage assessment
Abdelatty also took the opportunity to hear Kaag’s assessment of the current humanitarian situation in Gaza and her ongoing efforts to address the crisis.
Abdelatty also met with Sven Koopmans, the EU’s special representative for the Middle East peace process.
Koopmans praised Egypt's efforts to develop a comprehensive plan for Gaza that ensures Palestinians remain on their land and expressed his full support for the proposal.
After 15 months of devastating Israeli war in Gaza, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported in January that 92 percent of homes in the strip have been destroyed.
Previous UN estimates suggest that reconstruction could take more than 16 years.
A UN damage assessment released last month revealed that clearing more than 50 million tons of rubble from Israel's bombardment could take up to 21 years and cost as much as $1.2 billion.
Egypt has pledged to mobilize its resources to support Gaza’s reconstruction efforts, reaffirming its commitment to working with regional and international partners to rebuild the strip.
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