What Did Egyptian FM and Palestinian VP Discuss About Gaza Reconstruction?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Egypt and Palestine leaders emphasize reconstruction.
- International support is critical for humanitarian needs.
- Pursuit of national unity among Palestinian factions is ongoing.
- Upcoming Gaza reconstruction conference set for next month.
- Ceasefire agreement has halted military operations.
Cairo, Oct 27 (NationPress) Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Palestinian Vice-President Hussein al-Sheikh engaged in a phone conversation concerning the reconstruction of Gaza and the political climate in the Palestinian territories, as reported by Egypt's Foreign Ministry.
The two leaders evaluated the preparations for a significant Gaza reconstruction conference set to occur in Egypt next month and emphasized the necessity for increased international support and funding to meet the humanitarian and developmental needs of Palestinians.
On Sunday, they also deliberated on initiatives to unite Palestinian factions and implement reforms within the Palestinian Authority, according to Xinhua news agency.
The call addressed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's recent decree designating al-Sheikh as Acting President in the event of a vacancy until elections are conducted.
Cairo also facilitated separate discussions that day among Palestinian factions regarding the second phase of a US-backed peace plan endorsing the ceasefire in Gaza, which commenced on October 10.
This conversation followed meetings in Cairo on Thursday, where delegations from Hamas and Fatah addressed the post-war arrangements for Gaza.
The constitutional declaration states, "if the position of the President of the National Authority becomes vacant in the absence of the Legislative Council, the President of the Palestinian National Council will temporarily assume the duties of the President of the National Authority for a period not exceeding 90 days," during which free and direct elections will be held according to electoral law.
Abdelatty reaffirmed his country’s unwavering support for the Palestinian Authority and its initiatives to achieve national unity and reconstruct the Gaza Strip, enhancing security and stability while fulfilling the aspirations of the Palestinian people for an independent state along the lines of June 4, 1967, with Jerusalem as its capital.
This meeting was convened by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to deliberate on the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, following the effective commencement of the first phase on October 10, according to the private channel "Cairo News".
On October 9, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement based on a proposal from US President Donald Trump, with the initial phase going into effect the following day.
The first phase included the declaration of the war's end, the Israeli army's withdrawal to the "yellow line", the return of Israeli prisoners, and the release of Palestinian detainees.
The second phase, yet to be finalized, is expected to incorporate the deployment of an international peacekeeping force, the withdrawal of the Israeli army, disarmament of Hamas, and the establishment of a temporary administration under a new international transitional body in Gaza known as the "Peace Council," led by Trump.
The ceasefire effectively halted Israel's military operations in Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of over 68,000 Palestinians and injuries to more than 170,000, according to Palestinian authorities.