The humanitarian crisis following the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has illuminated the pressing need for reconstruction and aid as officials grapple with restoring stability to Gaza. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized his country’s commitment to rebuilding the war-torn Palestinian territory without displacing its residents.
During a press conference held on Sunday in Cairo, Abdelatty articulated, “We have a definitive plan for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip... ensuring no citizen is expelled from their homeland.” His comments came as he welcomed Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who expressed solidarity with Egypt’s position. Youssouf reiterated the consensus among Arab nations, stating, “A lasting resolution requires the establishment of a Palestinian state...” and firmly rejected discussions around deporting Palestinians.
These statements directly counter former U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial suggestion for Egypt and Jordan to absorb Palestinian refugees from Gaza, which both countries and other Arab states have outright dismissed. Abdelatty, proud of Egypt’s reconstruction proposals, suggested hosting a conference dedicated to these efforts, stating, “This is the initial phase... helping to break the cyclical violence.” He reinforced the importance of initiating true political discourse, aligned with international resolutions.
Simultaneously, Gaza authorities accuse Israel of reneging on aid provisions as stipulated by the ceasefire agreement. The Government Media Office for Gaza expressed frustration on Monday, citing systematic delays by Israel on shelter supplies and fuel. Their statement claimed, “Despite clear agreements outlined... Israel has failed to meet its commitments,” worsening the living conditions for many displaced Palestinians.
According to the aid protocol, Israel was expected to allow 60,000 prefabricated shelters and 200,000 temporary tents, along with daily deliveries of over 600 aid trucks. Instead, only 861 of the expected 1,200 aid trucks had reached Gaza by January 23, highlighting the troubling pattern of Israeli restrictions. This growing humanitarian nightmare fuels protests for the ceasefire mediators, namely Qatar, the United States, and Egypt, to exert pressure on Israel.
Further complicates the situation, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s spokesman reiterated on Monday the nation’s control over the Rafah crossing. Omer Dostri stated, “Nothing has changed... including at the Rafah crossing,” asserting the Palestinian Authority’s lack of operational power at this significant entry point between Gaza and Egypt. This comment came amid recent reports of Palestinian officials now stationed at the crossing as part of the hostage negotiations with Hamas.
The reopening of the Rafah border crossing on Saturday has brought some hope, which is the only exit point from Gaza not under Israeli control. The crossing had been closed for some time following heavy fighting and was reopened as part of the commitment to the ceasefire arrangement. The initial phase of this ceasefire also included the release of 33 hostages and plans for discussions aimed at securing continued negotiations for the release of remaining prisoners.
Despite progress, the road forward is fraught with uncertainty. Hostage talks and negotiations over the next phase of the ceasefire are set to commence next week, amid fears of resuming conflict if agreements cannot be reached. If discussions stall, it could spark renewed violence as early as March, cementing the need for effective aid delivery and supportive reconstruction plans.
With the humanitarian conditions deteriorated and aiding mechanisms obstructed, the future of Gaza remains vulnerable. Badr Abdelatty’s assertions of reconstruction reflect broader aspirations for peace and stability—not just for Gaza but for the region itself. The burden lies on international players and local leaders to uphold the ceasefire and prioritize the emergency needs of Palestinians yearning for relief and rebuilding.