Egypt Dismisses Israeli Suggestion for Gaza Administration
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Synopsis
Cairo has firmly rejected Israeli proposals for taking over Gaza's administration, reaffirming its commitment to a lasting resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Egyptian officials emphasize the need for full Palestinian sovereignty over the territories.
Key Takeaways
- Egypt rejects proposals for governance of Gaza.
- Emphasizes need for Palestinian sovereignty.
- Half-measures prolong conflict, not peace.
- Egypt had historical governance from 1948-1967.
- Cairo prepares to host an Arab Summit on April 4.
Cairo, Feb 27 (NationPress) Egypt has decisively rejected any suggestions for it to assume the temporary governance of the Gaza Strip, reaffirming its steadfast dedication to a comprehensive and durable resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Proposals that sidestep the fundamental tenets of both Egyptian and Arab positions, as well as the core principles for addressing the conflict's essence, are unacceptable, according to Egypt's official Middle East News Agency, as reported by spokesperson Tamim Khalaf.
Khalaf characterized such proposals as “half-measures” that would merely extend the cycles of conflict instead of facilitating enduring peace, as noted by Xinhua news agency.
He emphasized the inseparable nature of Palestinian territories, highlighting the “organic link” between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. These regions represent the future Palestinian state and should fall under full Palestinian sovereignty and governance.
On Tuesday, Israeli Opposition leader Yair Lapid suggested a minimum eight-year Egyptian administration over Gaza, following the recent conflict, with international community assistance in settling Egypt's foreign debt as a motivating factor.
Lapid proposed a security framework involving Israel, Egypt, the United States, and other Arab nations to coordinate security efforts in Gaza, although he did not provide specific details. He mentioned, “The Egyptians ruled Gaza before, and they know how to do it.”
He added that he had not directly discussed the plan with Egyptian officials but had consulted with “leaders throughout the region.”
Lapid's eight-point plan included a continuation of the current ceasefire until the final stage is achieved, with the release of all hostages and Israeli forces remaining at Gaza's outer borders. It also proposed Egyptian administration of Gaza under a UN Security Council mandate, encompassing internal security and civil administration.
Egypt had previously governed the Gaza Strip from 1948 to 1967.
It has firmly rejected US President Donald Trump's proposal for the US to assume control of the Gaza Strip, forcibly relocating its native population to Egypt and Jordan, and constructing a so-called Riviera in the Middle East.
Egypt, Jordan, and other Arab nations have denounced the US plan to displace Palestinians from their ancestral land, advocating instead for progress towards a two-state solution as the only fair resolution to the Palestinian issue.
In contrast to Trump's proposed displacement strategy, Egypt is formulating a comprehensive initiative to rebuild the severely devastated Gaza Strip without relocating its Palestinian inhabitants.
Cairo is set to host an emergency Arab Summit on March 4 to deliberate on methods to support the Palestinians and their cause.
