Egypt on Saturday emphasized the importance of ensuring that Palestinians remain in Gaza during the enclave’s reconstruction.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty conveyed this stance during a phone call with his Portuguese counterpart, Paulo Rangel, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.
On this occasion, Abdelatty thanked Portugal for its support of Egypt and expressed hope for the continuation of a strategic partnership with the European Union (EU), particularly in the economic sector. He also welcomed Portugal’s support for the Palestinian cause.
Egypt insists on the unity of Gaza and the West Bank
“Egypt’s priority is to ensure the implementation of a ceasefire agreement and to address the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza,” Abdelatty said.
He stressed the importance of “preserving the territorial unity of Gaza and the West Bank in all post-war agreements” and supporting the Palestinian Authority in establishing governance over the territory.
The minister also emphasized the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent, territorially connected state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international resolutions.
Strong rejection of Trump’s plan
The United States (U.S.) President Donald Trump stated on February 4th that the U.S. plans to “take control” of Gaza and relocate Palestinians to other locations as part of an “extraordinary reconstruction plan” that, according to him, could turn the enclave into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
His proposal was met with widespread condemnation from Palestinians, Arab countries, and numerous states around the world, including Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom (UK).
Trump has repeatedly suggested that countries like Egypt and Jordan should take in Palestinians from Gaza, a proposal that Arab states and Palestinian leadership have categorically rejected.
Background of the conflict
A ceasefire in Gaza has been in effect since January 19th, temporarily halting Israel’s war that, since October 2023, has killed nearly 48.200 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and left the enclave in ruins.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants in November last year for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel is also facing a genocide lawsuit before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), AA writes.
