Safe Zones and Reconstruction Within Three Years: Egypt Rallies Support for Its Plan

As indirect negotiations on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement continue—with Arab states eager to finalize its terms to prevent Israeli obstructions—talks have yet to yield concrete results. The negotiations remain highly contentious, particularly due to Israel’s evolving demands.

While the Palestinian resistance has not objected to the idea of releasing Israeli captives in a single phase, it insists on ironclad guarantees ensuring that Israel fulfills its commitments, primarily halting its aggression against Gaza. However, Israeli officials continue to insist on the full disarmament of the resistance and the removal of fighters from the Strip, according to Egyptian sources familiar with the discussions.

These developments come as Egyptian optimism over the negotiations wanes, particularly following changes in the Israeli delegation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has now assigned Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer to lead the talks. In response to this shift, Egypt and Qatar have urged U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Wietkoff to push for greater Israeli flexibility, especially given that an agreement has been reached with the resistance on several key points.

Among these points:

• • Gaza’s administration would return to Palestinian control but not be led by Hamas.

• • A commitment not to violate the ceasefire.

Egypt and Qatar believe these conditions should suffice to maintain stability.

Egypt Awaits Israeli Compliance on Humanitarian Access

Meanwhile, Egypt is closely monitoring Israel’s fulfillment of its obligations, particularly regarding the entry of prefabricated housing units (caravans) into Gaza, which Israel had blocked for over a week. Cairo has warned against further Israeli obstructions, stating that such actions could collapse the negotiations.

Egyptian sources confirm that while only a limited number of bulldozers have entered Gaza in recent days, their numbers are expected to increase in the coming days, coinciding with the next phase of the prisoner exchange set for Saturday.

Yesterday, over 300 aid trucks entered Gaza, including 15 fuel trucks. However, aid convoys remain subject to strict Israeli inspection as they transit from Rafah to the Al-Auja and Kerem Shalom crossings. Additionally, Israel continues to block the entry of tents, with only 20,000 tents reaching Gaza—far fewer than what is actually needed.

Egypt’s Reconstruction Plan: A Countermeasure to Forced Displacement

In a parallel effort, Egypt is advancing its reconstruction plan for Gaza as a countermeasure to U.S. and Israeli-backed efforts to displace Palestinian civilians. Egyptian sources confirm that Cairo is seeking European support for its initiative.

The plan, which is also under discussion with Arab partners, focuses on:

• • Establishing safe zones in Gaza to serve as temporary housing for civilians.

• • Replanning and rebuilding Gaza to create a livable environment within three years.

• • Employing Egyptian and Arab firms to clear debris and begin reconstruction, based on damage assessments from Gaza and international agencies.

Additionally, the plan proposes:

• • A restructured administrative system for Gaza.

• • New employment opportunities and commercial spaces for residents.

• • Building schools and universities to enable a gradual return to normal life and mitigate the likelihood of voluntary migration, particularly among those seeking education or employment abroad.

Egypt Seeks U.S. Support While Addressing Israeli Security Concerns

To gain U.S. backing, Cairo has pledged that all reconstruction efforts will be under U.N. supervision to prevent any military activities within the rebuilt areas.

This includes:

• • Banning the rebuilding of tunnels or any military infrastructure inside Gaza.

• • Addressing Israeli fears of Hamas regaining strength after reconstruction.

Despite the high costs of establishing safe zones, Egypt’s plan hinges on U.S. guarantees that these sites will not be targeted by Israeli airstrikes—a condition that must be agreed upon with Israel. The ceasefire would remain in effect throughout the rebuilding process, while negotiations with the resistance continue.