Cairo is continuing its intensive efforts with mediators to stop the brutal war on Gaza, with a consultative meeting scheduled on April 23 between high-level Egyptian officials and a delegation from Hamas.
The meeting will discuss an Egyptian-Qatari proposal addressing outcomes of Egypt’s proposal made at the recent Arab Summit for the reconstruction of Gaza without displacing Palestinians.
Egypt’s proposal will involve all security, political, and economic aspects of managing Gaza, alongside Hamas’s final consensual response to the proposal of US Presidential Envoy Adam Mueller, which includes a truce of five to seven years as part of a comprehensive deal.
Sources revealed to Arab media that the proposal will focus on a ceasefire, Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, and a complete end to the war.
Hamas would announce the “laying down of arms,” but not the surrender of weapons.
This means that it will not use or display its weapons in the streets during the truce period, while retaining its stockpile.
The proposal further includes an agreement on a civilian administration for the Gaza Strip after Hamas withdraws from any form of governance, whether security, political, or administrative. The previously agreed-upon Community Support Committee will assume management of Gaza’s affairs.
The proposal also includes Egypt training Palestinian Authority security personnel to manage the security situation in Gaza. It also includes reconstruction, with a pledge to undertake immediate reconstruction if the agreement is successful.
An international donor conference will also be held to provide the necessary support without displacing Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.
According to sources, the proposal was presented to an Israeli delegation that visited Cairo in April which expressed flexibility, although some points remain under discussion.
UNRWA strikes at Israel
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) accused Israel of using humanitarian aid as a “bargaining chip” and a “weapon of war” against the Gaza Strip.
The UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said in a post on the X platform on April 22: “How much longer until hollow words of condemnation will translate into action to lift the siege, resume a ceasefire & save whatever is left of humanity?”
“It’s been 50 days of siege on #Gaza imposed by the Israeli authorities. Hunger is spreading & deepening, deliberate & manmade. Gaza has become a land of desperation. Two million people: a majority of women & children are undergoing collective punishment. The wounded, sick & elderly are deprived of medical supplies & care.”
“Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations have assistance ready to get into Gaza. This includes nearly 3,000 UNRWA trucks of lifesaving aid. Basic supplies meant for people in need are expiring. Humanitarian aid is being used as a bargaining chip + a weapon of war. The siege must be lifted, supplies must flow in, the hostages must be released, the ceasefire must resume,” Lazzarini said.
