Egypt has proposed deploying UN peacekeeping forces in Gaza and the West Bank to support peace and rehabilitation efforts. This initiative follows an emergency Arab summit and is intended to promote Palestinian statehood. The plan highlights the need for a sustainable ceasefire and reinforces the importance of the Palestinian Authority’s return to governance in Gaza amid ongoing humanitarian crises.
Egypt has proposed that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) consider deploying international peacekeeping forces to the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty revealed this initiative during a meeting in Cairo focused on rehabilitating Gaza’s healthcare system. Abdelatty emphasized that the proposal involves a Security Council resolution to establish peacekeeping forces with specific mandates aimed at ensuring a timetable for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
The notion of deploying peacekeeping forces was also affirmed during an emergency Arab summit on Gaza held on March 4, which advocated for international presence in the Palestinian territories as part of broader objectives to achieve statehood. Egypt’s Foreign Ministry noted the increasing regional and international support for an Arab-led initiative designed to rebuild Gaza while safeguarding the Palestinian population from displacement.
For the successful implementation of the reconstruction plan, Abdelatty underscored the necessity of achieving a sustainable ceasefire, coordinating early recovery efforts with Palestinian authorities, and reinforcing Gaza’s identity as a vital part of Palestinian land. He further accentuated the urgency for the Palestinian Authority to reestablish administrative control in Gaza. In preparation for potential stability, Egypt and Jordan have initiated training programs for Palestinian police officers to support deployment in the region.
Following Israel’s military actions in Gaza since October 2023, which resulted in the deaths of over 48,500 Palestinians—predominantly civilians, including women and children—and injuries to more than 112,000, the humanitarian situation has reached alarming levels. A ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement was established on January 19. Additionally, recent comments from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding potential American control over Gaza have sparked significant backlash, although he later clarified that there are no intentions to expel Palestinians.
In summary, Egypt’s call for UN peacekeeping forces signifies a critical step toward addressing the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. The proposal aims to establish clear mandates for international protection forces while promoting efforts to reconstruct Gaza and support Palestinian statehood. The success of these initiatives depends on achieving a lasting ceasefire and restoring legitimate governance in the region, as the humanitarian situation remains dire following the recent military conflicts.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
