Egypt role in Gaza reconstruction

*Dr. Mohamed Elkeshky is a professor at BUC’s Political Science Department and a Centre for Global Affairs member.

Egypt has longstanding ties with Palestine, especially Gaza, rooted in their shared history, culture, and geography.

Following the seventh-century Arab conquests, both regions became integral parts of the Islamic Caliphates, establishing deep religious and cultural bonds.

In the modern era, Egypt has balanced its peace treaty commitments with support for Palestinian rights.

After the Six-Day War led to Israel’s occupation of Gaza, the territory emerged as a centre of Palestinian resistance.

Following Israel’s withdrawal in 2005 and Hamas’ takeover in 2007, Egypt has acted as a mediator in conflicts between Hamas and Israel, notably during clashes in 2008, 2012, 2014, and 2021.

Moreover, Egypt has hosted multiple talks to reconcile Hamas and Fatah, the dominant Palestinian factions, because a unified Palestinian leadership is essential for effective reconstruction and governance in Gaza.

However, lasting reconciliation remains elusive.

Controlling the Rafah border crossing — Gaza’s sole exit not under Israeli control — Egypt has alternated between opening and restricting access based on Egyptian national security and political considerations while providing humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Rebuilding Gaza is a pressing issue that requires regional and international cooperation. Egypt, Gaza’s immediate neighbour, is a key regional player that is deeply involved in reconstruction efforts.

Prof. Dr. Walid Abd Al-Hay from Al-Zaytouna Centre compiled reports from sources such as the UN and other reliable news outlets to better understand the reality of the post-war period.

Below is the compiled list of figures related to the destruction and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.

1. According to estimates from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), 69 percent of Gaza’s infrastructure was destroyed. Reconstruction will take 3-5 years and cost an estimated $18.5 billion for infrastructure.

2. Israeli military operations have damaged approximately 370,000 housing units, including 79,000 completely destroyed.

3. Approximately 68 percent of agricultural land dedicated to crop production has been damaged, significantly reducing productivity. Additionally, 80-96 percent of agricultural facilities, including irrigation canals, animal farms, storage centres, and agricultural machinery, have suffered severe damage.

4. Disposing of approximately 50 million tons of rubble is an urgent task estimated to take 15 years. Moreover, the limited space in GS complicates efforts to unload and transport the debris to designated areas.

5. Extracting victims’ bodies from the rubble is further complicated by the presence of unexploded ordnance and sharp objects. The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) estimates that GS contains approximately 7,500 tons of unexploded ordnance.

6. Approximately 37 million tons of waste need to be removed from the environment in GS.

7. Israeli attacks have killed over 46,600 people and injured more than 110,000, though the actual numbers are likely much higher. Half of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are still partially functioning, while nearly all have been damaged or partially destroyed. Only 38 percent of primary healthcare centres remain operational. An estimated 25 percent of the injured — around 30,000 people — suffer from life-changing injuries and will need ongoing rehabilitation.

8. According to preliminary estimates by the Regional Bureau for the Arab States (RBAS) at UNDP, GS requires approximately $40 billion for reconstruction, with $2-3 billion needed urgently. Other estimates place the total need between $50 and $80 billion. The UN warns that if Israel continues to impede aid, reconstruction could take up to 350 years to complete.

Egypt has contributed to Gaza’s reconstruction through direct funding and infrastructure projects and has provided different forms of aid to help the Palestinian people survive the war.

•Rafah border crossing: Egypt has periodically opened the Rafah crossing to allow the flow of humanitarian aid, construction materials, and medical supplies.

•Housing and infrastructure: Egyptian companies have participated in rebuilding homes, schools, and hospitals in Gaza.

•Electricity supply: Egypt has supplied Gaza with electricity through its power grid and explored the possibility of constructing a natural gas pipeline.

•Water desalination: Egypt has collaborated with international organizations to build desalination plants to provide clean drinking water.

•Medical aid: Egypt has sent medical teams, equipment, and supplies to Gaza’s hospitals.

•Food and relief: Egyptian NGOs and government agencies have distributed food, blankets, and other essential items to Gaza’s population.

•Evacuations: During conflicts, Egypt has facilitated the evacuation of wounded Palestinians for treatment in Egyptian hospitals.

However, Egypt still faces several challenges in supporting Gaza’s reconstruction.

•Political constraints: Egypt’s relationship with Hamas is complicated by the Palestinian group’s ties to certain groups, which are designated as terrorist organizations by Egypt.

•Economic limitations: Egypt’s own economic challenges limit its ability to provide large-scale financial assistance to Gaza.

•Blockade and restrictions: The Israeli blockade and restrictions on the movement of goods and people hinder reconstruction efforts, even with Egyptian support.

•Regional dynamics: Egypt’s role is influenced by broader regional dynamics, including its relations with Israel, the United States, and other Arab states.

The international and regional partners Egypt has collaborated with to support Gaza’s reconstruction include the following.

•United Nations: Egypt works with UN agencies such as UNRWA to deliver aid and implement reconstruction projects.

•Arab states: Egypt has coordinated with Gulf countries, particularly Qatar and the UAE, to fund reconstruction efforts.

•European Union: Egypt has partnered with the EU to promote development and stability in Gaza.

The debris from the major destructions in the Gaza Strip should be considered for use in land reclamation.

Japan’s experience in reconstruction and sea reclamation shows how destruction can be transformed into opportunities for construction and development. This experience can inspire countries facing similar challenges, such as Gaza, by taking into account adaptation to local conditions and the specific challenges of each region.

Japan used the rubble from war and natural disasters (such as earthquakes) to reclaim the sea and create new land. Huge land reclamation projects were implemented, with millions of tons of aggregate used to create areas such as Odaiba in Tokyo Bay and Kansai International Airport in Osaka Bay.

These projects expanded Japan by around 0.5 percent of its total area, equivalent to 2,000 square kilometres.

Egypt’s role in rebuilding Gaza is multifaceted, encompassing political mediation, economic support, humanitarian assistance, and security management.

While Egypt has made significant contributions, challenges such as political constraints, economic limitations, and the Israeli blockade continue to hinder reconstruction efforts.

A sustainable solution to Gaza’s plight requires not only Egypt’s continued involvement but also broader regional and international cooperation.

This cooperation needs to include both states and international humanitarian organizations.

Ultimately, addressing the root causes of the conflict and achieving a lasting political resolution are essential for Gaza’s successful reconstruction and development.

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