Cairo – Egypt and the United Arab Emirates are jointly calling for the deployment of an international stability force in the Gaza Strip, a move intended to solidify any future ceasefire and facilitate the massive reconstruction efforts needed following months of intense conflict. The call for intervention came during a phone conversation on Wednesday between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, according to a statement released by the Egyptian foreign ministry.
The coordinated diplomatic push underscores the growing regional concern over the long-term stability of Gaza and the challenges of ensuring sustained humanitarian aid delivery. The two ministers emphasized the urgency of implementing the second phase of a US-backed plan for Gaza, though details of that plan remain largely unconfirmed publicly. They also highlighted the critical role of the National Committee for Gaza Management in coordinating recovery efforts.
The proposed international force is envisioned as a key component in ensuring the commitment of all parties to a ceasefire, a particularly pressing concern given the fragility of previous agreements. Beyond security, the force would be tasked with creating an environment conducive to the unimpeded flow of humanitarian assistance to all areas of the Gaza Strip, which has suffered widespread devastation. The need for such a force reflects a recognition that a purely political solution, without a robust security component, may not be sufficient to prevent a resurgence of violence.
Regional Concerns Extend to Sudan
The discussion between Abdelatty and Sheikh Abdullah wasn’t limited to Gaza. The ministers also addressed the ongoing conflict in Sudan, with Egypt reaffirming its support for the country’s unity, territorial integrity, and national institutions. Egypt has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution to the Sudanese crisis, and Abdelatty reiterated this position during the call. Both officials agreed on the importance of coordinated efforts to alleviate the worsening humanitarian situation in Sudan and to support de-escalation measures aimed at restoring stability. The situation in Sudan has created a complex regional challenge, with potential implications for broader security in the Horn of Africa.
Seeking Diplomatic Solutions to Regional Instability
Beyond the specific crises in Gaza and Sudan, the two foreign ministers exchanged views on broader regional developments, emphasizing the need to reduce escalating tensions. They jointly asserted that diplomatic solutions remain the only viable path to prevent further instability in the Middle East, a region already grappling with multiple overlapping conflicts and geopolitical challenges. This shared emphasis on diplomacy signals a coordinated effort by Egypt and the UAE to promote de-escalation and prevent the region from sliding into a wider conflict. The ministers underscored the importance of dialogue and negotiation as the primary means of resolving disputes.
UAE Aid Delivery to Gaza Continues
The call for an international force comes as the UAE continues to ramp up its humanitarian aid to Gaza. On Wednesday, the UAE’s 13th humanitarian aid ship, the Umm Al Emarat – meaning “Mother of the Nation” – arrived at Egypt’s El Arish Port carrying over 7,300 tonnes of supplies for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The National News reports that the vessel left Khalifa Port earlier this month and its cargo will be transferred for delivery into Gaza.
The aid shipment, part of “Operation Gallant Knight 3,” is specifically tailored to meet the needs of Palestinians during the upcoming month of Ramadan. The cargo includes 4,267 tonnes of food parcels, 386 tonnes of food supplies for community kitchens, and 290 tonnes of dates. Shelter support accounts for a further 2,303 tonnes, including 3,495 tents, Eid clothing, relief bags, and hygiene supplies. Medical assistance totals 54 tonnes, encompassing ventilators, hospital beds, protective equipment, and air purification devices. Since the start of the conflict, UAE assistance to Gaza has exceeded $3 billion, with over 122,000 tonnes delivered through air, land, and sea routes.
Bilateral Ties and Future Cooperation
The conversation between Abdelatty and Sheikh Abdullah also touched upon the strong bilateral relations between Egypt and the UAE. Both ministers praised the close ties between their respective leaderships and peoples, and they agreed to continue working together to strengthen partnership frameworks and advance relations across various fields. This commitment to continued cooperation suggests a coordinated approach to regional challenges and a shared vision for a more stable and prosperous Middle East.
Looking ahead, the focus will likely remain on securing a durable ceasefire in Gaza and ensuring the effective delivery of humanitarian aid. The international community’s response to the call for a stability force will be closely watched, as will the progress of the US-backed reconstruction plan. The next key development is expected to be a meeting of regional stakeholders, tentatively scheduled for early March, to discuss the implementation of these initiatives.
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