Egypt and the United Arab Emirates jointly called for the deployment of an international stability force in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, seeking to solidify a recent ceasefire and enable reconstruction efforts, according to a statement released by the Egyptian foreign ministry.
The appeal came during a phone conversation between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two ministers emphasized the urgent need to advance the implementation of the second phase of a US-backed plan for Gaza, and to fully support the work of the National Committee for Gaza Management.
Both Abdelatty and Sheikh Abdullah underscored that an international force is essential to guarantee adherence to the ceasefire and to facilitate the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid throughout the Gaza Strip, the Egyptian foreign ministry stated. This call reflects a growing concern among regional powers regarding the sustainability of the current truce and the challenges of rebuilding the devastated territory.
The joint call for a stability force is not the only area of alignment between Egypt and the UAE. The ministers similarly discussed the ongoing conflict in Sudan, with Abdelatty reaffirming Egypt’s support for the country’s unity, sovereignty, and national institutions. Both officials agreed on the importance of coordinated efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and to promote de-escalation measures aimed at restoring stability.
Beyond these specific conflicts, Abdelatty and Sheikh Abdullah exchanged views on broader regional issues, emphasizing the necessity of diplomatic solutions to prevent further instability. They asserted that diplomatic engagement remains the only viable path to de-escalation in the region.
The conversation also addressed bilateral relations between Egypt and the UAE, with both ministers expressing satisfaction with the strong ties between their countries, and peoples. They pledged to continue working together to strengthen their partnership across various sectors. The UAE has already delivered over 10,000 tonnes of aid to Gaza since the reopening of the Rafah crossing, part of its ongoing “Operation Chivalrous Knight 3” humanitarian initiative.
According to analysis from the Jerusalem Post, both the UAE and Egypt are also seeking assurances against the forced displacement of Gazans, with Egypt specifically requesting support from the UAE and Saudi Arabia in opposing any attempts to push Palestinians into Egyptian territory. The UAE, alongside Saudi Arabia, has also publicly called for the disarmament of Hamas as a precondition for long-term support for Gaza’s reconstruction.
The ministers did not announce a specific timeline or mechanism for the proposed deployment of an international force, nor did they detail which nations would be invited to contribute. No immediate response was forthcoming from the US State Department regarding the joint call.
