Egypt Advocates for UN Peacekeeping Forces in Gaza and the West Bank
Egypt is proposing an international presence in Gaza and the West Bank to support Palestinian statehood through UN-backed peacekeeping forces. The Foreign Minister emphasized conditions for successful reconstruction in Gaza, which has garnered international support. However, both Israel and the U.S. have rejected this plan, favoring alternatives that could displace Palestinians. Meanwhile, a ceasefire agreement remains unresolved and progress is stalled.
Egypt is advocating for an international presence to be established in Gaza and the West Bank by proposing the deployment of UN-backed peacekeeping forces. This initiative aims to facilitate the path toward Palestinian statehood and a sustainable ceasefire. During a meeting in Cairo, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty underscored the significance of a proposal to the UN Security Council for the establishment of this international presence, seeking to secure support for an independent Palestinian state.
The proposal entails a UN Security Council resolution to deploy peacekeeping forces, alongside a clear timeline and defined mandates. While Foreign Minister Abdelatty did not disclose the current status of this proposal, he pointed out that it was addressed during the emergency Arab summit on Palestine held in Cairo on March 4.
On the same day, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry noted that the reconstruction plan for Gaza, which was approved during the Arab Summit, has garnered significant regional and international support. Egypt is reportedly organizing a reconstruction conference in Cairo to obtain the necessary funding for the implementation of this plan.
Abdelatty highlighted essential conditions for the successful execution of the reconstruction initiative, including the maintenance of a ceasefire, the leadership of Palestinians in the reconstruction process, and the recognition of Gaza as an integral part of Palestinian territories. He also stressed the need for the Palestinian Authority to resume its governance over Gaza through a non-factional committee.
Moreover, both Egypt and Jordan have initiated training programs for Palestinian police forces as part of the preparations for their subsequent deployment to Gaza. The Arab Summit’s reconstruction plan is designed to rebuild Gaza over a five-year period, with a projected budget of $53 billion while ensuring Palestinians remain on their land.
However, it is noteworthy that both Israel and the United States have rejected this plan in favor of another proposal, which was previously suggested by former US President Donald Trump, advocating for the displacement of Palestinians to neighboring regions. In parallel, on March 1, 2025, the initial phase of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement brokered by Qatar and Egypt, with US support, concluded, having commenced on January 19. The progression to the next phase remains halted as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sought to secure the release of additional prisoners.
The agreement conditions imposed by Hamas include halting military operations and withdrawing from Gaza, which have not yet been met by Israel, causing delays in the continuation of negotiations.
In conclusion, Egypt’s proposal for a UN presence in Gaza and the West Bank serves as a pivotal element in the pursuit of Palestinian statehood and a lasting ceasefire. The initiative, along with the Arab Summit’s reconstruction plan, emphasizes the necessity of Palestinian leadership and governance in rebuilding Gaza. Despite regional support, the path forward remains complicated by opposition from Israel and the United States, alongside the ongoing challenges of completing the ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal. Future developments will be critical in shaping the prospects for peace in the region.
Original Source: www.palestinechronicle.com
