INTERVIEW: Egypt pursuing multitrack Gaza strategy despite renewed Israeli war - FM spokesperson - Foreign Affairs

Al-Ahram Weekly

26-03-2025

Despite renewed Israeli war on Gaza, Egypt is pressing forward with its ambitious reconstruction plan, navigating a complex landscape of ceasefire efforts, international diplomacy, and the pursuit of a lasting two-state solution, Ambassador Tamim Khallaf, the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, said in an interview with Ahram Online.
Ambassador Khallaf outlined that Cairo continues to engage with the Americans to consolidate a fragile ceasefire while laying the groundwork for a post-war Gaza.
Ahram Online: Given that Israel has resumed its war on Gaza, how does this impact Egypt's ability to move forward with the reconstruction plan?
Tamim Khallaf: We are working on two simultaneous tracks. We are exerting vigorous efforts to consolidate the ceasefire and prevent its unraveling. At the same time, we must make all necessary initial preparations for the reconstruction of Gaza so that we can hit the ground running once conditions are favourable.
Reconstruction requires intensive planning, funding, and operational and logistical arrangements. Therefore, we will proceed with our efforts so that we will be all set once circumstances permit.
AO: The plan has gained backing from the Arabs, the OIC, and the EU, but can it advance without the US and Israel's approval?
TK: We are constructively engaging with the US regarding the plan. It is a thorough and meticulous plan which we believe is workable, realistic, and operationally feasible.
Egypt relied heavily on its extensive experience from previous reconstruction cycles in Gaza to develop it.
It started as an Egyptian plan, then was endorsed as an Arab one, and is now gradually morphing into an international one after the significant global support it received. We will continue interacting positively with our American partners to see the plan come to fruition.
AO: How do you plan to address Washington's objections or skepticism? What contacts have been established so far with the US, and what aspects of the plan do you believe could make Trump change his mind?
TK: We continue to engage positively with the US administration and will address comments or suggestions from our American partners constructively and with an open mind. Egypt and the United States share the same objective of a stable and peaceful Middle East, and it's only natural that as strategic partners, we engage in a productive conversation to fulfill our common objective.
AO: The Israelis have bypassed the plan and continue blocking aid while moving forward with plans to expel the Palestinians. Doesn't this render the plan ineffective? How can it progress under such conditions?
TK: We will continue to promote the plan internationally because it's a viable plan and one that keeps Palestinians in their territory.
In the meantime, we continue to make strenuous efforts to consolidate the ceasefire and create favourable conditions for rehabilitation and reconstruction.
Palestinians are exceptionally sensitive to attempts to detach them from their homeland. Their collective memory is charged with profound grief, given the historic injustice inflicted on them.
AO: Hamas disarmament/expulsion from Gaza has been branded as a major obstacle by Israel. What is Egypt's vision on this issue?
TK: The Arab summit endorsed the establishment of a Palestinian committee entrusted to administer Gaza temporarily. The 15 members of this committee will be Palestinian technocrats not affiliated with any factions. Its main functions will be to govern Gaza, manage humanitarian assistance, and serve for an interim period, paving the way for the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza.
Its members enjoy consensus among Palestinians; accordingly, they should be supported internationally. The committee was designed to be non-factional to uphold impartiality and integrity. It's a reasonable way forward.
AO: Although the plan was unanimously approved by all Arab countries, some expressed reluctance on account of Hamas or the PA, either implicitly or by absence. What concerns have been conveyed to you?
TK: The summit reflected profound Arab solidarity and consensual endorsement on key issues, including Egypt's reconstruction plan.
The final statement of the Arab summit reflected a decisive and collective Arab position, and all 22 Arab states attended.
AO: Then what steps will Egypt take to ensure the plan translates into concrete action?
TK: We are in the process of planning an international conference in Egypt on Gaza's reconstruction. It will be convened in cooperation with the United Nations and the Palestinian government and solicit funds from donor countries and international financial institutions.
Egypt is working on three simultaneous tracks: consolidating the ceasefire, promoting the reconstruction plan, and organizing the international conference.
AO: With the war ongoing, does this conference still hold relevance?
TK: Absolutely. War is never perpetual, and Gaza will eventually have to be rebuilt. The reconstruction conference will be a significant milestone towards securing the necessary funding for the reconstruction process.
So, despite the renewed aggression, we must exert all efforts to contain any further escalation, consolidate the ceasefire, and ensure its full implementation to proceed with early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza.
AO: The plan addresses the broader question of the two-state solution. Will this go hand in hand with the reconstruction, or is it a step to be taken later?
TK: As humanitarian, security, and governance issues are addressed in Gaza, the global community has a responsibility to offer a political horizon that generates hope and brings peace between Palestinians and Israelis.
This should culminate in the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the lines of 4 June 1967, where Palestinians can finally live free from Israeli occupation.
We must offer a future for the Palestinians anchored in hope, not despair. The way to repel extremism is to set Palestinians free and allow them to exercise their right for self-determination living in an independent state, side by side with Israel.
Any attempt to circumvent this self-evident reality prolongs the conflict rather than bringing its closure. Once a Palestinian independent state is established, generational healing between Palestinians and Israelis will follow.
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