Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty warned that the current regional escalation must not divert international attention from completing the second phase of US President Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza, including the deployment of an international stabilisation force.
The foreign minister delivered the message during a series of telephone calls with Palestinian and international officials, as well as an April 22 meeting with Takeshi Okubo, the Japanese envoy for Gaza reconstruction and aid, according to foreign ministry spokesperson Ambassador Tamim Khallaf.
Abdelatty held discussions with Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, and the High Representative for Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov, focusing on the necessity of fulfilling all requirements of the Trump plan’s second phase. Alongside the stabilisation force, Khallaf stated these requirements include ensuring unhindered access for humanitarian aid and initiating early recovery and reconstruction programmes.
During his meeting with the Japanese envoy, Abdelatty stressed that the international community must remain effectively engaged in initiatives related to Gaza and closely monitor the humanitarian and field situation. The two officials discussed arrangements regarding the tasks and formation of the international stabilisation force to help create a suitable environment for rebuilding.
The discussions with Okubo also addressed Egyptian efforts to enable the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza to assume its temporary duties from inside the enclave as soon as possible, a step deemed essential for improving the living conditions of the Palestinian people.
Outlining Egypt’s vision for early recovery, Abdelatty highlighted the need for practical projects with a direct and rapid impact on Palestinians. These include the provision of medicines, building materials, water desalination plants, mobile power stations, and decent temporary housing, taking into account facts on the ground and actual population needs.
The foreign minister emphasised the importance of unifying international messages and coordinating donor efforts to support specific projects. He also affirmed Egypt’s readiness to cooperate with Japan to enhance the relief and recovery roles of civil society organisations, the Red Crescent, and the Red Cross.
Addressing the wider Palestinian issue during his calls with al-Sheikh, Mustafa, and Mladenov, Abdelatty highlighted dangerous developments in the West Bank. Khallaf cited ongoing Israeli violations, escalating military operations, repeated raids on Palestinian cities and camps, settlement expansion, and settler attacks on holy religious sites.
These actions contribute to increased tension and undermine opportunities for calm and the resumption of the political track, the spokesperson noted, adding that Abdelatty reiterated the constants of Egypt’s position regarding the Palestinian issue.
