Egypt appears to be the Arab country that is most willing to take the lead on various issues in Gaza. This makes sense considering Egypt’s cultural and historical ties with the strip. It has a border with the area, has had a role in the region for a while, and once occupied Gaza from 1948 to 1967.
Egypt is also a historic leader of the Arab world. Therefore, it follows that Gulf countries that work closely with Cairo will expect Cairo to take the lead. This also comes after Jordan’s king indicated that he was reluctant to send personnel to Gaza.
What is known about Cairo’s efforts so far? Egypt wants to see the deal agreed on October 8 move to a second phase. That means it is relying on the Trump administration to make sure that tensions between Israel and Hamas don’t boil over.
Recent reports that Hamas used the ceasefire deal to return the remains of a previously deceased hostage, allegedly staging the handover to present them to the Red Cross as if they were newly recovered, mean Israel may respond to what it views as Hamas’s chicanery.
Meanwhile, reports at France24 noted on Monday that “teams from the Red Cross and Egypt have joined the search for the remains of hostages still buried in the rubble of the devastated Gaza Strip.”
Hamas said it has widened its search for the dead hostages, whose return is fundamental to the US-brokered ceasefire. The Guardian also reported that Egypt expects to lead global stabilization efforts in Gaza.
Egypt’s Al-Ahram media also noted that “the Egyptian Red Crescent on Tuesday dispatched its 60th Gaza convoy, delivering 9,800 tons of urgent relief supplies to the besieged Strip, as sporadic violence and political tension continue to threaten the fragile truce.”
In addition, Egypt is working with international partners, noted Ahram.
“Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Monday praised Germany’s readiness to support Gaza’s reconstruction, stressing the need for intensified efforts to consolidate the ceasefire and prevent a renewed outbreak of fighting.
“Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held talks on Monday with Germany’s Economic Cooperation and Development Minister, Reem Alabali Radovan, to strengthen bilateral relations and coordinate ahead of Egypt’s upcoming International Conference on Early Recovery and Reconstruction in November,” it added.