IRIA News

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Foreign ministers of France, Germany, Britain and Italy announced their support for an Arab-backed plan to rebuild Gaza. The European countries also issued a joint statement urging Israel to fulfill its international obligations regarding the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The foreign ministers of France, Germany and the UK, also emphasized that “humanitarian aid should never be contingent on a ceasefire or used as a political tool,” calling on all parties to uphold the ceasefire. It further asserted: “We call on the government of Israel to abide by its international obligations to ensure full, rapid, safe, and unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance to the population in Gaza.”

The Gaza Strip has long been a focal point of conflict, with recurring hostilities between Israel and Hamas leading to significant humanitarian crises. In January 2025, a ceasefire agreement was brokered, aiming to halt the violence and pave the way for peace negotiations.

The agreement outlined a three-phase process, beginning with a six-week cessation of hostilities, followed by the release of hostages and prisoners, and culminating in a permanent ceasefire accompanied by reconstruction efforts. However, ongoing tensions and violations have underscored the ceasefire’s fragility.

The latest reports indicate that at least 118 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by Israel since the ceasefire commenced on January 19, raising concerns about its durability. The Gaza Government Media Office has documented 265 violations by Israeli forces during this period, highlighting the ceasefire’s fragile nature. The latest fatalities have brought the total death toll of Palestinians from Israel’s war since October 2023 to 48,458, according to Gaza Health Ministry.

These developments have exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the blockade has severely restricted access to essential supplies, including food, water, and medical aid.

The appeal by the top European underscores the international community’s concern over Israel’s use of humanitarian aid as leverage in political negotiations.

The blockade’s impact on Gaza has been profound, with reports indicating that Israel has restricted the flow of essential supplies, including tents, trailers, and heavy equipment necessary for rubble removal and hospital rehabilitation. Such restrictions have impeded efforts to address the urgent needs of the civilian population.

Egypt’s Gaza Reconstruction Plan

The $53 billion Arab plan, developed by Egypt and endorsed by Arab leaders, proposes the establishment of an administrative committee comprising independent Palestinian technocrats to govern Gaza temporarily under the supervision of the Palestinian Authority. The objective is to facilitate reconstruction efforts without displacing the Palestinian population.

The European ministers, in their statement, lauded the plan as “a realistic path to the reconstruction of Gaza,” promising “swift and sustainable improvement of the catastrophic living conditions for the Palestinians living in Gaza” if implemented. They also emphasized that Hamas “must neither govern Gaza nor be a threat to Israel anymore,” advocating for a central role for the Palestinian Authority and the implementation of its reform agenda.

However, the plan has encountered significant opposition. Both Israel and U.S. President Donald Trump have rejected the proposal, with Trump presenting an alternative vision to transform Gaza into a “Middle East Riviera.” This divergence in approaches has complicated international efforts to address Gaza’s reconstruction and long-term stability.

OIC rejects displacement of Palestinians

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convened a special session in Saudi Arabia, where foreign ministers from Muslim-majority countries collectively rejected President Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza.

The OIC ministers condemned any attempts to displace Palestinians, labeling such actions as ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. They also criticized Israel’s blockade on Gaza and urged Hamas to extend the ceasefire’s first phase.

Hamas also acknowledged positive signals in ceasefire negotiations with Egyptian and Qatari mediators. The second phase of the ceasefire aims to secure a lasting truce and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. However, the situation remains precarious, with the potential for renewed hostilities if negotiations falter.

US perspectives on the Middle East conflict

In the United States, political figures have weighed in on the Middle East conflict and potential paths forward. Senator Richard Blumenthal, following a trip to Jordan, Lebanon, and Israel, highlighted a proposal led by Jordan’s King Abdullah.

This plan encompasses Gaza’s reconstruction, Palestinian political self-determination, potential normalization with Israel, and strategic alliances with Arab nations and the U.S. Despite initial resistance from Israeli and American leaders, Blumenthal suggests that the proposal could serve as a foundation for peace.

Blumenthal also emphasized the necessity of eradicating Hamas for regional stability and identified Iran as a primary adversary, advocating for stronger sanctions to diminish its influence. He underscored the potential for a historic era if Israel normalizes relations with Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations, countering Iranian aggression and potentially catalyzing internal change within Iran.

Current situation in Gaza

The initial phase of the ceasefire expired on March 1 without a clear path forward, leading to uncertainty and fear among Gaza’s residents. Tensions in Gaza have escalated recently, with Israeli military operations jeopardizing hopes for a renewed ceasefire.

Observers express pessimism about achieving lasting peace, fearing a return to large-scale hostilities if new concessions are not made. The blockade continues to hamper humanitarian efforts, driving up prices and limiting access to essential supplies.