Sahar el-Zayaty & Sarah Saad
The Palestinian Ambassador to Cairo Diab Allouh articulated the Palestinian Authority’s immediate priorities and long-term vision amidst the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
He underscored the urgency of an immediate ceasefire, stressing the critical role of Arab mediation, particularly by Egypt and Qatar, in pressuring Israel to allow unfettered access to humanitarian aid.
Ambassador Allouh highlighted the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, citing Israeli-imposed closures that have impeded aid delivery since October 7, 2023.
Allouh detailed a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza, a collaborative effort involving Palestine, Egypt, the World Bank, and the European Union.
This plan would be implemented in phases, with an initial six-month period followed by a three-year complementary phase.
“We categorically reject any proposition involving the evacuation of Gaza followed by reconstruction and the return of its residents,” Ambassador Allouh said in exclusive remarks to The Egyptian Gazette.
“We will not permit a repetition of the 1948 Nakba,” he said.
“The most critical threat we face is the plan for forced displacement, what is occurring is not merely a military conflict, but a campaign of genocide against an entire population,” he said, adding that there are two million internally displaced persons and 40,000 orphaned children.
He dismissed claims of a 50-year reconstruction timeline as unfounded.
Allouhre affirmed Palestine’s established partnerships with African nations and global stakeholders.
He noted past efforts to secure United Nations membership, which were met with reservations from the United Kingdom and rejection from the United States.
He reiterated Palestine’s commitment to securing therecognition of the Palestinian statehood through a renewed application to the Security Council.
The ambassador acknowledged the pivotal role of media in shaping public opinion and influencing policy decisions in support of Palestinian rights.
He credited the media’s coverage of the situation in Palestine with galvanising support in European streets, American universities, and across the Arab and international communities.
He expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering support of President El Sisi and the Egyptian people.”Egypt’s historic role is unparalleled,” he asserted.
Ambassador Allouh also announced preparations for an international conference on the reconstruction of Gaza, scheduled for May 5, 2025, under the auspices of President El Sisi, with the participation of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and King Abdullah II of Jordan.
