Abdelatty stressed that while the plan holds potential, its success hinges on addressing critical gaps, particularly in the areas of governance and security arrangements during Gaza’s transitional phase. “There are many loopholes that need to be closed,” he said, pointing to ambiguities in the plan’s framework that could undermine its viability. The minister emphasized the need for further discussions to clarify how the plan would be implemented on the ground, noting that Egypt is engaging directly with Hamas to gauge the group’s stance. “We are very cautious and are talking to Hamas to assess their reaction to this plan,” Abdelatty explained, signaling Egypt’s commitment to ensuring all parties are aligned before moving forward.
The Egyptian foreign minister also underscored the importance of political will in translating the ceasefire proposal into tangible outcomes. “If there is political will, I believe this Gaza plan can be implemented on the ground, but it requires participation,” he stated. However, he warned that a rejection of the plan by Hamas could plunge the region into an “extremely difficult” situation, potentially escalating tensions and further destabilizing an already volatile region. Abdelatty’s comments reflect Egypt’s deep concern about the broader implications of a failed ceasefire effort, particularly given the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In a firm statement, Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s unwavering stance against any measures that would lead to the displacement of Gaza’s residents. “Egypt will not allow the displacement of Gaza’s residents under any circumstances,” he declared, reinforcing Cairo’s long-standing position on protecting Palestinian rights and preventing forced population transfers. This stance aligns with Egypt’s broader diplomatic efforts to advocate for a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while also safeguarding its own national security interests, given its proximity to Gaza and the potential for regional spillover.
In a separate statement, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly echoed Abdelatty’s cautious optimism about the Trump ceasefire plan, noting that it aligns with several core principles that Egypt has consistently championed. Speaking at a press conference in Cairo, Madbouly outlined these principles, which include preventing the displacement of Palestinians, rejecting any annexation of Gaza or the West Bank, securing an immediate ceasefire, facilitating the release of hostages and prisoners from both sides, and supporting the reconstruction of Gaza. “The principles in Trump’s plan have always aligned with Egypt’s position,” Madbouly said, emphasizing Cairo’s longstanding advocacy for these objectives.
However, Madbouly acknowledged that the devil lies in the details. “The challenge will be in the details of the plan,” he noted, pointing to the complexities involved in translating broad principles into actionable steps. The prime minister’s remarks reflect the broader sentiment in Cairo that while the plan’s overarching goals are commendable, its lack of specificity in key areas could hinder its success. This sentiment underscores the importance of Egypt’s role as a mediator, as it works to bridge gaps between the parties involved and ensure that the plan addresses the practical realities on the ground.
The Trump administration’s ceasefire proposal, unveiled by the White House on September 29, calls for an immediate halt to hostilities in Gaza, followed by a comprehensive program aimed at rebuilding the war-torn enclave and restructuring its political and security framework. The plan envisions Gaza as a weapons-free zone, governed by a transitional technocratic authority under the supervision of a new international body directly overseen by President Trump. Key components of the proposal include the release of all Israeli captives held by Hamas within 72 hours of the plan’s approval, in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. It also outlines a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, alongside the disarmament of Palestinian resistance groups.
Despite its ambitious scope, the plan has drawn scrutiny for its perceived imbalances. Critics, including Egyptian officials, have noted that the proposal imposes clear and stringent obligations on Hamas while offering Israel more flexibility, as the commitments required of Israel are not legally binding. Additionally, the plan lacks specific timelines for critical elements such as the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the delivery of humanitarian aid, raising concerns about its enforceability. These gaps have fueled skepticism about the plan’s ability to address the immediate needs of Gaza’s population, which has been devastated by nearly two years of relentless conflict.
Since October 2023, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of more than 66,200 Palestinians, with women and children constituting the majority of the casualties, according to local and international reports. The United Nations and various human rights organizations have repeatedly warned that Gaza is on the brink of becoming uninhabitable, with widespread starvation, disease, and infrastructure destruction exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The blockade imposed by Israel, coupled with ongoing bombardment, has crippled Gaza’s healthcare system, disrupted access to clean water and food, and displaced hundreds of thousands of residents, many of whom are living in makeshift shelters under dire conditions.
Egypt’s cautious approach to the Trump ceasefire plan reflects its broader strategic priorities in the region. As a key mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Egypt has historically played a pivotal role in facilitating ceasefire agreements and humanitarian initiatives in Gaza. Its coordination with Qatar and Türkiye, both of which have significant influence in regional diplomacy, underscores the importance of a unified approach to addressing the crisis. By engaging directly with Hamas, Egypt is seeking to ensure that the Palestinian perspective is adequately represented in negotiations, while also advocating for practical measures to address the governance and security challenges outlined in the plan.
The emphasis on preventing displacement is particularly significant for Egypt, given its concerns about the potential for a mass influx of Palestinian refugees across its border with Gaza. Such a scenario could strain Egypt’s resources and destabilize its domestic security, particularly in the Sinai Peninsula, where the government has been grappling with its own security challenges. Abdelatty’s firm rejection of displacement reflects Cairo’s determination to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe that could have far-reaching consequences for Egypt and the broader region.
Madbouly’s reference to the reconstruction of Gaza as a core component of the ceasefire plan highlights another critical aspect of Egypt’s position. The devastation in Gaza, where entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble, requires a massive and coordinated international effort to rebuild infrastructure, restore essential services, and provide economic opportunities for the population. However, the lack of clarity in the Trump plan regarding funding, timelines, and oversight for reconstruction efforts has raised concerns about its feasibility. Egypt, which has previously facilitated reconstruction initiatives in Gaza, is likely to push for greater specificity in this area to ensure that any ceasefire agreement leads to meaningful improvements in the lives of Gaza’s residents.
As Egypt continues its diplomatic efforts, the success of the Trump ceasefire plan will depend on the ability of all parties to address the identified loopholes and build trust in the negotiation process. For Hamas, the plan’s demands for disarmament and the release of captives within a tight timeframe may be difficult to accept without reciprocal commitments from Israel. Meanwhile, Israel’s reluctance to agree to binding terms for withdrawal and humanitarian aid delivery could further complicate efforts to reach a consensus. Egypt’s role as a mediator will be crucial in navigating these challenges, as it seeks to balance the interests of all parties while prioritizing the urgent needs of Gaza’s population.
In conclusion, Egypt’s response to the Trump ceasefire plan reflects a delicate balance of cautious optimism and pragmatic skepticism. While the plan’s principles align with Egypt’s longstanding positions, the lack of clarity in its details and the perceived imbalances in its obligations raise significant concerns. Through its coordination with regional partners and direct engagement with Hamas, Egypt is working to refine the proposal and ensure that it addresses the complex realities of the Gaza conflict. However, the path to a sustainable ceasefire remains fraught with challenges, and Egypt’s diplomatic efforts will be critical in determining whether the plan can succeed in bringing peace and stability to the region.
