Egypt invites EU to participate in executing Arab plan for Gaza reconstruction

CAIRO – 23 March 2025: Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has called for the European Union to participate in the implementation of the Arab plan for Gaza reconstruction as he received EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on Sunday.

Abdelatty also invited the EU to take part in the Gaza reconstruction conference, which Egypt plans to host later, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Abdelatty stressed the need to stabilize the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and contain the current Israeli escalation.

He welcomed the EU's support for the Arab plan for the reconstruction of Gaza.

 

Since last week, Israel has resumed extensive airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza, breaking a ceasefire that had lasted for two months and killing hundreds of people.

The Israeli war in Gaza has claimed 50,000 Palestinian lives, predominantly women and children and, according to UN estimates, and devastated more than 60 percent of homes and 65 percent of roads.

Earlier in March, Arab and Muslim leaders approved a $53 billion Egyptian plan for Gaza's reconstruction, which ensures that Palestinian residents remain on their lands throughout the process.

The EU has expressed support for the Arab plan.

The proposal aims to counter US-Israeli plans to permanently expel Gaza residents, with US President Donald Trump’s plan to “take over” and “own” Gaza drawing widespread condemnation.

This five-year plan seeks to secure permanent housing for the 2 million residents of Gaza, the majority of whom have been displaced by the war, while establishing essential services and vital infrastructure, including an airport.

Politically, an administrative committee made up of Palestinian professionals and independent technocrats is set to govern Gaza, which is currently ruled by Hamas, until the Palestinian Authority reestablishes control over the enclave under the plan.

Death toll of Palestinians from the Israeli aggression on Gaza rises to more than 50,000 people since October 7, 2023: Palestinian Heath Ministry in Gaza #Egypt #Palestine #MiddleEast #Israel #GAZA | #تحيا_مصر #مصر #فلسطين #إسرائيل #غزة #تضامناً_مع_فلسطين #هدنة #الهدنة #الاسرى… pic.twitter.com/dXvcxnSjGJ

— Egypt Today Magazine (@EgyptTodayMag) March 23, 2025

CRITICAL REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS

Abdelatty and Kallas also discussed developments in Syria.

The foreign minister highlighted the importance of launching an inclusive political process that considers all components of the Syrian population without excluding any party in order to achieve security and stability in the country.

Additionally, Abdelatty addressed the recent developments in southern Lebanon, emphasizing Egypt's support for the Lebanese state, its national institutions, and its stability in the face of security challenges.

He stressed the need for the implementation and adherence to the ceasefire agreement in southern Lebanon, calling for the immediate and complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and enabling the Lebanese army to implement Resolution 1701 by all parties without selectivity.

Discussions also included perspectives on developments in the Horn of Africa, security in the Red Sea, and Egypt's water security.

Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized the need to protect freedom of navigation in the Red Sea during a phone call with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, on Saturday#Egypt #Africa #MENA https://t.co/acrheEatOQ

— Egypt Today Magazine (@EgyptTodayMag) March 23, 2025

ECONOMIC COLLABORATION

Abdelatty welcomed the significant progress in Egypt-EU relations and expressed eagerness to continue working with Kallas to support cooperation under the six pillars of the strategic and comprehensive partnership binding both countries.

He emphasized the importance of focusing on the economic aspect of the strategic partnership, including the approval and disbursement of the second tranche of the European financial package allocated for Egypt, which amounts to €4 billion.

The EU's €7.4 billion financial support package for Egypt was announced last year, with the aim of bolstering the country's essential macro-fiscal and socio-economic reform agenda.