A file photo of Egyptian FM Badr Abdelatty. Photo : AFP
In the op-ed, Abdelatty described the situation in Gaza as one of the worst humanitarian disasters since World War II, citing UN figures that estimate nearly two million people have been displaced and more than 150,000 killed or injured.
He also highlighted the extensive destruction of Gaza's infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, roads, and agricultural land.
Furthermore, Abdelatty argued that Israel's military campaign in Gaza, initially framed as a war against Hamas, has effectively become a war against the Strip's entire civilian population.
He proposed a two-pronged approach to responding to the crisis: immediate humanitarian intervention followed by a long-term political roadmap.
He also stated that Egypt has developed a multi-phase reconstruction plan (from 2025 to 2030), which has received unanimous backing from 22 Arab states.
The first phase, expected to last six months, will focus on urgent relief efforts, including providing temporary housing for 1.2 million displaced Palestinians and removing 50 million tons of rubble.
The subsequent phases will focus on full-scale reconstruction, including constructing 400,000 permanent housing units, rehabilitating road networks, reclaiming 20,000 acres of agricultural land, and developing key infrastructure such as ports, an airport, solar power plants, government service centres, and educational and medical facilities.
The Egyptian Foreign Minister emphasized that Egypt's plan is designed to ensure that Palestinians remain in their homeland, firmly rejecting any suggestions of forced displacement.
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the reconstruction process is a massive undertaking that requires international cooperation. To this end, he said Egypt will host an international conference in collaboration with the United Nations and the Palestinian government to secure the estimated $53 billion required for the plan.
He noted that multiple US firms and international companies would be invited to participate in the rebuilding efforts.
In addition to reconstruction, Abdelatty highlighted the need to restore security and governance in Gaza. He explained that according to Egypt's vision, a new Palestinian technocratic committee will be established to oversee the administration of Gaza during a transitional period, ensuring that no political faction controls governance. To stabilize the region, Egypt will also train thousands of Palestinian police officers to restore law and order.
Beyond immediate relief, Abdelatty called for a political solution that would culminate in the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders. He stressed that sustainable peace could only be achieved by ensuring Palestinian self-determination and freedom from Israeli occupation.
He also welcomed President Donald Trump's recent statements opposing the displacement of Palestinians and hoped that the US leadership would help broker a historic peace agreement.
In conclusion, Abdelatty underscored Egypt's commitment to working with international partners to ensure a lasting resolution to the conflict, bringing security and stability to both Palestinians and Israelis.
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