Johannesburg: Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has reiterated the country's steadfast efforts to bolster the Sharm El-Sheikh agreement, a cornerstone in efforts to cease hostilities in Gaza. During discussions with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, Abdelatty highlighted Egypt's dedication to working alongside the United States and other allies to progress with the agreement's second phase. This phase aims to create a sustainable solution to the Palestinian issue, grounded in the two-state solution framework.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Abdelatty expressed appreciation for Canada's recent recognition of the State of Palestine in September, viewing it as a positive step towards peace and stability in the region. In anticipation of the Gaza Early Recovery and Reconstruction Conference, Egypt has extended an invitation to the Canadian foreign minister to attend, signaling a collaborative approach to the challenges faced by the region.

Egypt, in partnership with numerous international and regional entities, is actively moving forward with the second phase of US President Donald Trump's plan for Gaza. This phase intends to end Israeli hostilities, ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need, and establish a governance structure post-conflict. The initial phase, which began on October 10, successfully implemented a ceasefire and a prisoner-exchange agreement between Israel and Hamas.

The forthcoming phase involves deploying a temporary multinational force within Gaza to undertake several critical tasks, including the demilitarization of the territory. Furthermore, it envisions forming a Board of Peace, chaired by Trump and including notable figures such as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, tasked with overseeing a technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza.