Palestinians walk around tents in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on October 10, 2025. AFP
In March, during the Cairo extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi announced that Egypt would host an international conference on early recovery and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
Cairo has repeatedly stated that the conference will proceed as soon as a ceasefire is implemented.
Egypt has also developed a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza to facilitate early recovery and long-term reconstruction efforts led by Palestinians.
The plan, endorsed by Arab and Islamic nations, also focuses on restoring essential infrastructure, addressing humanitarian needs, and ensuring sustainable development.
On his official X account, Merz commended the ceasefire agreement in Gaza— recently reached between Hamas and Israel following the Sharm El-Sheikh talks —as good news for people in the Middle East and far beyond.
“I thank US President Donald Trump for his peace initiative and our partners in Qatar, Egypt and Turkey for their mediation efforts,” the German Chancellor wrote on X.
He called for swift implementation of the agreement, urging the release of captives and the enforcement and sustainability of the ceasefire in the Strip.
Merz further emphasised that the two-state solution offers the best prospects for a future where Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security.
Additionally, Merz emphasised that humanitarian assistance must reach the people of the Gaza Strip quickly, affirming Germany’s ongoing support for them. “We are making available €29 million for humanitarian assistance,” he wrote.
On Saturday, Egyptian bulldozers began removing debris and reopening the Salaheddin road between North and South Gaza. Egyptian teams also worked on expanding the Egyptian camp for displaced Palestinians in the area to create the largest camp of its kind in Gaza.
Following the ceasefire deal on Thursday, Egypt intensified efforts to allow bulldozers and engineering equipment into Gaza to rehabilitate and clear damaged roads and ensure the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid.
Short link: