Are Egypt and Turkey Making Progress on Gaza Ceasefire and Reconstruction?

Synopsis
In a recent phone call, Egyptian and Turkish foreign ministers discussed vital efforts to reinstate a ceasefire in Gaza and coordinate future reconstruction plans. As hostilities continue, the focus on humanitarian aid and a lasting political solution becomes increasingly crucial.
Key Takeaways
- Egypt and Turkey are actively discussing Gaza ceasefire efforts.
- Coordination with Qatar and the U.S. is ongoing for effective mediation.
- Plans for a Cairo international conference on Gaza reconstruction are in the works.
- Urgent need for humanitarian aid delivery is highlighted.
- Strong opposition to the forced displacement of Palestinians is reaffirmed.
Cairo, May 13 (NationPress) Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty engaged in a phone discussion with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan to address initiatives aimed at reinstating a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, while also coordinating strategies for post-conflict reconstruction, as reported by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.
During their conversation on Monday, Abdelatty detailed Egypt's ongoing mediation efforts in collaboration with Qatar and the United States, emphasizing the goal to revive the ceasefire, promote the release of hostages and detainees, and guarantee the seamless provision of humanitarian, medical, and shelter assistance into the distressed enclave, according to a statement from the ministry.
The Egyptian Foreign Minister also updated Fidan about the preparations for the forthcoming Cairo international conference aimed at the reconstruction of Gaza, scheduled to convene immediately following the establishment of a ceasefire.
The two ministers shared perspectives on enhancing engagement with global stakeholders to secure widespread support for the Arab-Islamic initiative focused on immediate recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza in the near future. They reaffirmed their resolute opposition to any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians from their homeland.
Both sides stressed the importance of pursuing a fair and enduring political resolution to the Palestinian situation through the two-state solution, advocating for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, along the borders established on June 4, 1967.
This phone call coincided with the release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander by Hamas, a move that Egypt and Qatar welcomed as a hopeful sign for the resumption of negotiations and a reinforcement of ongoing mediation efforts aimed at achieving comprehensive and lasting peace, as reported by Xinhua.
Meanwhile, an announcement from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that an Israeli delegation would head to Doha, Qatar on Tuesday to discuss a new ceasefire and hostage release agreement, which is expected to take place even under ongoing conflict.
Israel had halted the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza on March 2, following the expiration of the initial phase of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas that began in January. The attacks on Gaza resumed on March 18, resulting in the fatalities of at least 2,780 Palestinians.