European Nations Endorse Egypt’s Gaza Reconstruction Plan Amid Rising Tensions
The foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, and the UK endorsed Egypt’s Gaza reconstruction plan, viewing it as a viable solution to improve conditions for Palestinians. Meanwhile, Hamas seeks progress in ceasefire negotiations, condemning Israel for worsening the humanitarian crisis through collective punishment. Israel’s recent escalations could potentially escalate military actions, heightening the urgency for an international response.
On Saturday, the foreign ministers from France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom expressed their support for Egypt’s reconstruction plan for Gaza. This plan was effectively endorsed during a recent emergency summit in Cairo and further ratified by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Friday. They emphasized that this plan presents a ‘realistic path’ for reconstructing Gaza and has the potential to significantly enhance the deteriorating living conditions of Palestinians in the area.
Abdul Latif Al-Qanou, the spokesperson for Hamas, announced that the efforts of Egyptian and Qatari mediators are persisting to finalize a ceasefire agreement and initiate negotiations for the subsequent stages. Notably, there are indications of progress, as Hamas’s leadership delegation has been in discussions in Cairo since Friday, exploring strategies to initiate talks and urge Israel to adhere to commitments established at the recent Arab summit.
In parallel, Israel has proposed a series of “escalating measures” aimed at intensifying pressure on Hamas, which may lead to renewed military actions in Gaza. Reports from the Wall Street Journal indicate that these measures commenced last week with Israel’s suspension of humanitarian aid to Gaza, claiming Hamas’s refusal to accept a ceasefire proposal by the U.S. President’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, as the cause. This proposal involved extending the ceasefire and facilitating prisoner exchanges but did not provide for a formal cessation of hostilities.
Hamas has condemned Israel’s actions, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza through collective punishment of more than two million Palestinian civilians. Hamas characterized these actions as a “war crime,” stating that this state of deprivation has persisted for seven days, leaving Gaza’s population without food, medicine, and essential supplies.
Moreover, Hamas has criticized Israel’s treatment of prisoners held by the resistance, claiming they also suffer from a lack of food and medical care. They hold Netanyahu “fully responsible” for the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe and have urged Arab nations and the United Nations to act swiftly to stop the “brutal crime” of starvation and the siege, demanding accountability for Israeli leaders’ actions.
In summary, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, and the UK have endorsed Egypt’s reconstruction plan for Gaza, stressing its potential to improve living conditions for Palestinians. Meanwhile, Hamas continues to push for a ceasefire while accusing Israel of exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The ongoing tensions and Israeli measures against Hamas add complexity to the situation, necessitating urgent international intervention and accountability.
Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com
