Kuwait has expressed strong support for Egypt’s forthcoming plan to reconstruct Gaza, emphasizing the need to uphold the interests and legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. The initiative aims to rebuild the war-torn enclave while ensuring that Palestinians remain on their ancestral lands, Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah stated.
The crown prince made these remarks during a meeting with Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly on Sunday, where they discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation and addressing key regional issues. Sheikh Sabah commended Egypt’s leadership in advocating for the Palestinian cause and expressed hope that Cairo’s plan would effectively address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Egypt Reaffirms Commitment to Palestinian Statehood
During the meeting, Madbouly reiterated Egypt’s unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to establish an independent state along the pre-June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He emphasized that the reconstruction of Gaza must ensure Palestinians’ continued presence on their land and prevent any displacement.
Madbouly highlighted the urgency of rebuilding Gaza, which has suffered extensive destruction due to more than 15 months of Israeli military operations. He emphasized that Egypt’s approach to reconstruction is centered on restoring infrastructure and enhancing the living conditions of Palestinians.
Call for Arab Unity and Regional Stability
The Egyptian prime minister underscored the importance of a unified Arab stance on the Palestinian issue, stressing that regional solidarity is crucial for supporting Palestinian rights and countering external pressures. He noted that Egypt is actively working to achieve this unity under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s leadership.
Madbouly also called for collaborative efforts to resolve ongoing regional conflicts, highlighting their interconnectedness with the Palestinian cause. He expressed his hopes for security and stability across all Arab nations.
In response, the Kuwaiti crown prince emphasized the need to formulate a strategic vision for Gaza’s reconstruction ahead of the upcoming Arab leaders’ summit, scheduled for March 4 in Cairo. He underscored the importance of regional cooperation in addressing the political, economic, and social challenges affecting the Middle East.
Egypt’s Multi-Phase Plan for Gaza Reconstruction
Egypt is leading efforts to develop a comprehensive, multi-phase reconstruction plan for Gaza, which has been severely affected by over 15 months of Israeli bombardment, leaving many residents homeless. The plan, expected to be unveiled at the upcoming Arab summit, aims to rebuild critical infrastructure while boosting economic opportunities to enhance living standards.
Madbouly indicated that a three-year timeline is a realistic estimate for Gaza’s reconstruction, aiming not only to restore the enclave to its pre-war state but to improve its infrastructure and economic prospects. He highlighted the involvement of Egyptian, Arab, and international companies with extensive experience in large-scale reconstruction projects.
While detailed aspects of the plan remain undisclosed, the Egyptian-Arab proposal seeks to provide a strategic alternative to a widely criticized initiative by former US President Donald Trump, which was perceived as an attempt to undermine Palestinian sovereignty by relocating Gaza’s population.
The United Nations estimates that rebuilding Gaza and the occupied West Bank will require more than $53 billion over the next decade, with $20 billion needed in the first three years.
Egypt’s reconstruction plan is seen as a critical step toward addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza while supporting Palestinian aspirations for statehood. The upcoming Arab summit in Cairo is expected to provide a platform for coordinating regional and international efforts to support this ambitious initiative.