Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Egypt proposes international Gaza reconstruction conference, leaders call for global support
The Egyptian government’s initiative to host an international conference in Cairo aimed at reconstructing the Gaza Strip has been hailed as a critical step by Palestinian Ambassador to Egypt, Diab Al-Louh. He emphasized the necessity of strong Arab and international backing to enable Palestine to assume full responsibility for Gaza, underscoring its importance as an integral part of Palestinian territory and sovereignty.
These remarks came during a meeting organized by the Palestinian Embassy in Cairo with a delegation from The Elders, led by former President of Ireland Mary Robinson and former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark. Representatives of Palestinian civil society organizations from Gaza also participated, focusing on ways to end the 22-month long Israeli military operations, guarantee the opening of crossings for aid, and advance the implementation of the two-state solution.
Ambassador Al-Louh stressed the immediate need for a lasting ceasefire, the reopening of commercial crossings to allow humanitarian aid, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. He proposed the establishment of a committee headed by a Palestinian minister to oversee the sector until general elections can be held. He also called for an end to all unilateral Israeli actions, particularly settlement expansion and the changing character of Jerusalem.
Civil society representatives from Gaza described the immense human and material losses the region has suffered, noting the direct targeting of institutions and personnel. They warned of an impending total collapse of health, education, and social infrastructure as the humanitarian crisis deepens amid ongoing blockade, bombardment, and displacement.
They expressed that Gaza has become a “graveyard for international law” due to the silence of the global community, urging unified international action to expose the occupation’s crimes and to provide international protection for civil society organizations. Such support, they noted, would be crucial for rebuilding Gaza and reinforcing partnerships with global institutions.
The Elders’ delegation reaffirmed their commitment to mobilize at every political and diplomatic level to halt what they described as a continuing genocide. They discussed ways to restore normal life to Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.
Strongly advocating for the two-state solution as the sole path to peace, the delegation called for a return to international law and agreements to secure Palestinian rights. They also welcomed the recent wave of diplomatic recognition of Palestinian statehood worldwide.