We have prepared a 'list of candidates' to run Gaza — Egypt's Foreign Minister Abdelatty | DW News

Key Concepts: Rafa Crossing, Trump Peace Plan, Ceasefire, Humanitarian Aid, Gaza Reconstruction, International Stabilization Force (ISF), Palestinian Police Force, Decommissioning of Hamas, Board of Peace, Technocratic Palestinian Committee, Security Council Resolution 2803, Arab Ministerial Council Resolution (Regional Security Regime).

Rafa Crossing Operations and Humanitarian Access

The Rafa crossing is anticipated to open in the coming days, primarily to allow Palestinian residents to exit Gaza into Egypt. This arrangement, according to the Israeli military, aligns with the October ceasefire deal with Hamas and will be coordinated with Egypt under the supervision of the European Union mission, mirroring a mechanism from January 2025. However, the crossing is not intended for aid deliveries, which predominantly enter Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing.

Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bar Abdalati, confirmed ongoing "final discussions" with the Israeli side regarding the operation of the crossing from the Gaza side, noting that the Egyptian side already operates 24/7. Egypt is "fully committed" to facilitating the flow of all humanitarian and medical assistance into Gaza to "elevate the burden of the people there," expressing hope for the opening in the "next days." Egypt has previously voiced concerns about the forced displacement of Gazans and highlights the urgent need for medical intervention for many cases in Gaza.

The Trump Peace Plan and Ceasefire Dynamics

Egypt is deeply committed to the successful implementation of the "Trump Peace Plan," stating that the first phase is "almost finished," with focus now shifting to the second phase. The operation of the Rafa crossing is deemed "vital" for increasing accessibility of humanitarian and medical aid.

Regarding the Israeli claim of Hamas fighters holed up in southern Gaza's tunnels and Hamas's call for safe passage, Egypt is engaged in "full cooperation and consultations with the United States." The American role, including President Trump's engagement, is considered "extremely important" and "vital" for both the plan's implementation and upholding the existing ceasefire. Egypt is in discussions on "military security intelligence even with Israel" and is working with both Israeli and American sides to resolve issues related to Hamas's decommissioning and safe passage.

The "most pressing issue" is upholding a "solid ceasefire," which necessitates daily contacts with American, Israeli sides, Hamas, and various Palestinian factions. Without a stable ceasefire, discussions on other critical issues are not feasible. Egypt also emphasizes the need to move forward with the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2803.

Gaza Reconstruction and Early Recovery Efforts

Discussions with Germany, a "very important country" and partner, have focused on plans for Gaza's reconstruction. The challenge lies in the fragility of the current ceasefire. Egypt stresses the urgency of initiating "early recovery projects" to prepare for full reconstruction, stating there is "no luxury to wait." Parallel efforts are required across different tracks due to the severe suffering, harsh winter conditions, and lack of shelters in Gaza.

An "Early Recovery and Reconstruction Conference of Gaza" is considered "very important" to instill hope, building on the momentum from the ceasefire and the "Charm Shake Summit meeting last October." Germany will serve as a "co-convener," with Egypt working with the Americans for the "co-chairmanship" of the conference, actively pushing for its date and timing.

Security Arrangements and Governance in Gaza

The Trump Peace Plan outlines a long-term international security solution involving an "international stabilization force" (ISF). Egypt has committed to training a "Palestinian police force in Sinai for Gaza deployment."

Security arrangements are envisioned at two levels:

1. Palestinian Level (Local Policemen): Approximately 5,000 policemen are already in Gaza, receiving salaries. They need to be "deployed" and "empowered" for law enforcement. Egypt is actively training "Palestinian young men in Egypt" to complement this existing force, fill security vacuums, and manage daily life in Gaza.
2. International Stabilization Force (ISF): This force is deemed "very, very important" with a mandate to monitor the ceasefire, ensure compliance, secure external borders, and oversee crossing operations. While some countries have expressed readiness to participate, skepticism exists due to a general reluctance among nations to commit peacekeepers on the ground. Egypt is collaborating with the Americans to define the ISF's mission, mandate, and formulation.

A significant barrier to Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, as per the peace deal, is Hamas's disarmament. Despite Hamas's public refusal, Egypt is working on "different parallel tracks" for the second phase, which includes decommissioning and the redeployment/withdrawal of Israeli forces. Egypt believes "creative ideas" can address the issue of weapons, drawing lessons from "successful stories like in Northern Ireland." The assumption is that both parties have accepted the Trump Peace Plan, with the international community and the United States serving as the "main guarantee" for its implementation.

Future Governance Structure and Regional Diplomacy

Trump's 20-point peace plan proposes that Gaza be governed by a "technocratic Palestinian committee," overseen by a "Board of Peace" chaired by Trump and other members (e.g., Tony Blair). Egypt is in ongoing discussions with the American side regarding the formulation, invitees, and mandate of this Board of Peace, emphasizing that the direct involvement of President Trump and the American administration is the "main guarantee" for the plan's implementation.

Egypt has prepared a list of candidates for the "technocratic administrative Palestinian committee," comprising technocrats, doctors, and engineers, all from Gaza. This committee is crucial for managing daily life and providing basic services (healthcare, water, electricity). Egypt is in dialogue with Israeli and American sides for the approval and deployment of these individuals. It's important to note that the Board of Peace, ISF, and the administrative Palestinian committee are all "transitional bodies" under the Security Council Resolution, with their mandates concluding by the "end of December 2027."

Regionally, there is "very, very close cooperation, coordination among Arab countries" to promote peaceful and political solutions, with a shared conviction that "there is no military solution" to current conflicts. A significant development occurred last September when the Arab Ministerial Council approved a resolution outlining "general principles" for a regional security regime in the Middle East. Co-drafted by Egypt and Saudi Arabia, these principles include respect for territorial integrity, sovereignty, non-use of force in conflict resolution, and the universality of non-proliferation. Arab states are open to other regional partners joining this framework, provided they respect these established principles.

Conclusion

The interview underscores Egypt's multifaceted and proactive role in navigating the complexities of the Israel-Hamas conflict and shaping Gaza's future. Key takeaways include the immediate priority of opening the Rafa crossing for humanitarian exit, the urgent need for a robust ceasefire, and the parallel pursuit of early recovery and reconstruction efforts. Long-term stability hinges on establishing a two-tiered security framework—local Palestinian police complemented by an international stabilization force—and a technocratic governance structure, all operating under the umbrella of the Trump Peace Plan and international guarantees. Egypt's diplomatic efforts, in close coordination with the U.S. and other Arab nations, aim to foster a comprehensive regional security regime based on shared principles, moving beyond military solutions towards sustainable peace and development.