The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has adopted a Gaza Reconstruction Plan, urging the international community and financial institutions to provide swift support. The resolution came during an extraordinary session of the Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah on Friday, March 7, where ministers addressed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
During the session, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Badr Abdelatty, emphasised the central importance of the Palestinian issue to the Islamic world and called for solidarity to counter attempts to undermine the Palestinian cause.
The OIC resolution called for a political path toward a lasting and just solution that fulfils the Palestinian people’s aspirations for statehood.
Abdelatty highlighted the integrated plan put forward by Egypt, in coordination with the State of Palestine, for the “early recovery, reconstruction and development of Gaza.” This plan, adopted by the extraordinary Arab Summit in Cairo on March 4, aims to preserve the Palestinian people’s right to rebuild Gaza and remain on their land, while addressing the conditions resulting from the conflict.
The minister outlined the three phases of the Arab plan for early recovery and reconstruction, and announced Egypt’s intention to host a reconstruction conference in collaboration with the Palestinian government and the United Nations. The conference will aim to mobilise international support and establish a trust fund under international supervision.
Abdelatty stated that Egypt had worked to secure a ceasefire since the outbreak of the conflict and continues to strive for a stable agreement in its three phases. He noted that an agreement had been reached with the Palestinian side to form an independent, non-factional committee to temporarily administer the Gaza Strip, paving the way for the Palestinian Authority to fully return to the region. He added that Egypt is also providing training for Palestinian police forces in preparation for their deployment in Gaza.
The minister cautioned against any Israeli actions that could violate the sanctity of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, harm worshippers, or alter the existing legal and historical status quo.
The meeting saw widespread support for the outcomes of the Arab Summit in Cairo, with the Arab plan for Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction praised as an integrated approach to helping Palestinians rebuild their lives.
