Cairo: Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty discussed with a US House delegation Cairo’s efforts to develop a comprehensive multi-phase plan for Gaza’s early recovery and reconstruction, ensuring Palestinians remain on their historical land. Abdelatty met in Cairo on Sunday with a US House delegation led by Republican Congressman Darrell Issa, Vice Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The delegation also included Representatives Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Chuck Edwards, Jim Costa, and James Baird.

According to State Information Service Egypt, during the meeting, Abdelatty emphasized that Egypt is developing the plan in collaboration with the Palestinian Authority and Arab and Islamic countries. He added that the international community also supports the plan. Earlier in February, US President Donald Trump proposed “taking over” Gaza and deporting its population of almost two million to neighboring countries. The proposal sparked widespread global condemnation, with Egypt and Jordan swiftly rejecting it and condemning it as an attempt to liquidate the Palestinian cause.

Meanwhile, Al Arabiya TV reported that Egypt’s Gaza reconstruction plan prioritizes early recovery, rehabilitating the infrastructure, intensifying humanitarian aid, and revitalizing the economy. The report added that Egypt expects to finalize the plan by next week. The plan’s first phase should begin after the emergency Arab summit in Cairo.

During his Sunday meeting with the US delegation, Egypt’s foreign minister stressed the importance of a political process to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and end the violence. He underscored the need to establish an independent Palestinian state in a united Gaza and West Bank based on the two-state solution. He also affirmed the need for a continuous and intensified flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza amid worsening conditions.

In addition, Abdelatty commended Egypt’s strong relations with the US Congress and acknowledged the Trump administration’s role in securing the Gaza ceasefire. He hoped Washington would maintain its key role in implementing the three-phase agreement and ensure all parties fulfill their commitments. Similarly, the Egyptian foreign minister discussed the situation in Lebanon, stressing that Israel must withdraw completely and unconditionally from southern Lebanon.