President says peace is Egypt’s choice in remarks to Military Academy students on Gaza

CAIRO – 7 March 2025: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi addressed students at the Egyptian Military Academy on Friday, highlighting the nation’s efforts to restore regional calm and stability, particularly in Gaza, read a presidential statement.

During his inspection visit to the academy, Sisi emphasized that peace is the choice of Egypt and the Arab nations, briefing students on the outcomes of the Extraordinary Arab Summit dedicated to Palestine, hosted in Cairo this week.

The president underscored the Arab plan for Gaza reconstruction, which was endorsed by leaders during the summit.

 

Moreover, Sisi commended the Egyptian people’s unity and strong alignment with the political leadership, especially during the current exceptional circumstances and regional challenges.

He stressed that such solidarity reflects the strength, unity, and resilience of the Egyptian internal front, as well as the responsibility and sound judgment of the Egyptian people.

Sisi also affirmed the pivotal role of the Egyptian Armed Forces in protecting the homeland.

ARAB SUMMIT

Arab leaders on Tuesday endorsed an Egyptian plan for Gaza reconstruction after nearly a year and a half of Israeli war that devastated more than 60 percent of homes and 65 percent of roads in the Strip, according to UN estimates.

The war in Gaza was halted by a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. The agreement took effect on January 19 but is currently facing a deadlock in negotiations following the expiry of the first phase.

Hamas and the Arab mediators are pushing for a transition to the second phase of the agreement, which aims to end the war and allow reconstruction to begin.

However, Israel seeks to extend the first phase, which involves an exchange of Israeli captives held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails without obligation to end to the war.

Hamas and Israel seem closer to move to the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement amid recent discussions that reportedly involved the three mediators: Egypt, Qatar and the United States, alongside Hamas officials#Egypt #Africa #MENAhttps://t.co/sLSkRCz6AZ

— Egypt Today Magazine (@EgyptTodayMag) March 7, 2025

Tel Aviv has halted humanitarian aid to Gaza since last Sunday in response to Hamas’s rejection of the Israeli ceasefire extension proposal.

ARAB-BACKED PLAN

Egypt has prepared the reconstruction plan in coordination with Arab nations, countering Israeli-US plans that aim to relocate residents permanently outside their lands, particularly to Egypt and Qatar.

The $53 billion Arab counterplan adopts a five-year timeframe for reconstruction of post-war Gaza, according to a document obtained by local and foreign media outlets.

The plan ensures that Gaza residents remain on their lands while their homes and facilities are being reconstructed.

The multi-phase plan will secure housing units for the population in Gaza, remove millions of tons of debris, and develop an industrial zone, fishing and commercial ports, and an airport.

Arab leaders on Tuesday endorsed an Egyptian plan for Gaza reconstruction, aimed to provide an alternative to a proposal unveiled by US President Donald Trump to “take over” Gaza and turn it into the “Riviera of the Middle East#Egypt #Africa #MENAhttps://t.co/ZAr3dHft4s

— Egypt Today Magazine (@EgyptTodayMag) March 6, 2025

For post-war governance, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas stated during the summit that the Palestinian Authority will reassume control over the Gaza Strip under the plan.

Sisi during the summit highlighted Egypt’s efforts to form “an administrative committee comprising Palestinian professionals and independent technocrats, entrusted with managing the Gaza Strip” after the war.

He added that this committee will be responsible for overseeing Gaza during a temporary period and supervising the relief process, in preparation for the return of the Palestinian Authority to the enclave.