Egypt Advocates for UN Peacekeeping Forces in Gaza and West Bank

Egypt has proposed to the UN Security Council for deploying peacekeeping forces in Gaza and the West Bank to support the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. This follows an Arab summit’s call for military presence in these territories, emphasizing the need for a lasting ceasefire and administrative control by the Palestinian Authority. The context includes significant casualties from Israeli military actions since October 2023.

Egypt has presented a proposal to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) advocating for the deployment of international peacekeeping forces in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank. This initiative was articulated by Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty during a meeting in Cairo, which included foreign diplomats aiming to restore Gaza’s healthcare system. The proposal seeks a Security Council resolution that would facilitate the establishment of peacekeeping or international protection forces, equipped with specific mandates and a timetable to support the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

Abdelatty referenced a previous endorsement of this idea during an emergency Arab summit held on March 4, which also called for peacekeeping forces in the Palestinian territories to further political efforts towards statehood. Additionally, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry underscored the increasing regional and international support for an Arab initiative aimed at reconstructing Gaza while ensuring the Palestinian population remains in their homeland.

For the reconstruction efforts to be effective, Abdelatty emphasized the necessity of achieving a durable ceasefire, coordinating early recovery initiatives with the Palestinian leadership, and asserting Gaza’s status as a critical part of Palestinian territory. He further noted the importance of the Palestinian Authority’s re-establishment of administrative control in Gaza. To assist in this process, Egypt and Jordan have commenced training programs for Palestinian police officers destined for deployment in the area.

Since October 2023, Israel’s military actions in Gaza have reportedly resulted in over 48,500 Palestinian fatalities—predominantly women and children—and left more than 112,000 injured, leading to extensive devastation in the region prior to the ceasefire and prisoner exchange that began on January 19. In related discussions, US President Trump had proposed the possibility of American oversight in Gaza, intending to transform it into the “Riviera of the Middle East,” which drew significant backlash and prompted him to clarify his stance against the expulsion of Palestinians.

In summary, Egypt’s proposal for UN peacekeeping forces aims at establishing international support for rebuilding Gaza and achieving Palestinian statehood. The initiative is framed within broader regional efforts and underscores the importance of maintaining Palestinian identity and governance in Gaza. As the situation remains dire, the effectiveness of such initiatives will heavily depend on securing lasting peace and collaboration among Palestinian leadership.

Original Source: newscentral.africa