Egypt urges clear commitments for immediate launch of Gaza recovery at upcoming Cairo conference

CAIRO – 13 November 2025: Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty urged strong support for the upcoming international early recovery and reconstruction conference in Cairo during talks with senior United Nations officials on Thursday.

Abdelatty urged clear commitments for the immediate launch of Gaza recovery projects at the conference.

The Egyptian foreign minister met in Cairo with UN Assistant Secretary General and Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Abdallah Al Dardari and UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory Ramiz Alakbarov.

The discussions focused on ways to enhance cooperation between Egypt and the United Nations and on ongoing preparations for Egypt’s hosting of the international conference on Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction.

Abdelatty showcased Egypt’s ongoing preparations for hosting the conference and expressed hope for active participation by UN agencies and programs, drawing on their extensive expertise, particularly in the early recovery phase ahead of full reconstruction.

The foreign minister praised the constructive role of the UN in supporting peace and sustainable development regionally and globally.

He commended the UN close partnership with the Egyptian government in advancing Egypt’s development agenda in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.

Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting the UN’s efforts to promote sustainable development across the Middle East amid current political, security, economic, and social challenges.

He noted Egypt’s role as a key partner in fostering cooperation and knowledge exchange among developing nations.

 

Egypt is set to host the planned international conference for the reconstruction of Gaza in November, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi announced last month.

The war in Gaza, currently paused under a ceasefire endorsed by world leaders, has killed more than 69,000 Palestinians over the past two years and destroyed or damaged homes, essential health facilities, and basic infrastructure.

Up to 84% of Gaza has been destroyed, with some areas in the enclave, including in Gaza City, reaching 92%, according to UNDP representative Jaco Cilliers last month.

A recent Interim Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (IRDNA) on Gaza, conducted by the United Nations, the European Union, and the World Bank, estimated total damage at $70 billion.

Egypt has put forward a $53 billion reconstruction and early recovery plan for Gaza, which was endorsed last March by Arab and Muslim nations as well as much of the international community.