Yair Lapid proposes that Egypt manages the Gaza Strip for eight years to relieve its debt burden. He believes President El Sisi may consider the proposal due to Egypt’s financial difficulties post-pandemic. The plan includes a potential extension and transfer of management to the reformed Palestinian Authority, while collaborating with Gulf states to rebuild Gaza and combat terrorism.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid recently proposed that Egypt assume management and security responsibilities for the Gaza Strip for an initial duration of eight years, in exchange for comprehensive debt relief. He expressed that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi may consider this proposal due to Egypt’s severe financial challenges, particularly following a decline in tourism post-Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Lapid highlighted, “Egypt’s external debt is more than $155 billion. Its ability to borrow money is fading away. If President El Sisi can’t subsidise pitta bread for the poor in Egypt, if he can’t pay the bills for the Egyptian military, his leadership is at risk.” Under the proposed plan, the management of Gaza would eventually transfer to a reformed Palestinian Authority after an initial period of Egyptian oversight.
The former Prime Minister shared his proposal publicly for the first time and acknowledged he had not yet discussed it with Egyptian officials. He anticipated a response from Cairo that might initially decline but later reconsider. The proposal includes the potential for extending Egypt’s involvement in Gaza management up to 15 years after the initial period.
Lapid mentioned that Egypt would assemble a peace force in collaboration with Gulf states and the international community to facilitate the management and rebuilding efforts in Gaza. He stated, “Nobody’s asking them to annex Gaza. We are asking them to manage Gaza for 15 years. That’s a huge difference, and this is something I think they can live with.”
Furthermore, he underscored the importance of joint efforts to combat terrorism, remarking that “Hamas is not going to willingly go away.” His proposition emphasizes Egypt’s critical role in establishing stability within Gaza while addressing their domestic economic pressures.
In summary, Yair Lapid’s proposal outlines a framework for Egypt to oversee Gaza’s management, which he believes may assist in alleviating Egypt’s financial burdens while contributing to regional stability. By suggesting an initial eight-year plan with an option for extension, Lapid underscores the potential for international collaboration and emphasizes the importance of addressing security concerns associated with Hamas.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
