Egypt’s president is in Brussels for the first EU-Egypt summit. Gaza is expected to top the agenda. It comes at a time when the U.S. and the EU, along with leaders in the Middle East, are trying to finalize plans for who will govern the Strip.

Brussels

Egypt, a key mediator in the Gaza-Israel conflict, is strengthening its ties with the West as it takes a leading role in shaping the future of post-war Gaza. At a summit in Brussels, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met with European Union leaders to discuss political, economic, and security issues, with Gaza's future high on the agenda.

The EU signaled its willingness to deploy a civilian border mission at Gaza's Rafah crossing, train a Palestinian police force, and provide humanitarian aid. Economic cooperation was also discussed, as Egyptian exports to Europe are vital for Egypt's recovering economy. Both sides aim to establish a stabilisation force and support the creation of an elected authority in Gaza, with international donors expected to contribute to reconstruction efforts.

Egypt and the EU discuss Gaza's future at Brussels summit

His country, along with Qatar, has been a crucial mediator between Gaza and Israel. For President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, this is a moment he has been waiting for, building strong relations with the West as his country stands at the forefront of the international push to shape post-war Gaza. Ifraj al-Sisi's fire agreement is holding. US President Trump attended the Sharm el-Sheikh peace summit last week, a gesture widely interpreted as a recognition of Egypt's role. Here in Brussels, Sisi will meet EU leaders to talk about politics and business as well. I think there's no doubt that Gaza will be on top of the agenda, also the future of Gaza, what the EU can do, should do, and also what role Egypt will play. I mean, do not forget that if the border is going to open in Rafah, so the fear of again migration coming from Gaza to Europe is no doubt going to be a topic, as well as of course some economic agenda merely for Egypt, where the economy is not so doing well. The EU says it's ready to deploy a civilian border mission to Gaza's Rafah crossing, train a Palestinian police force and deliver humanitarian aid. Because we have a unique expertise for the day after in Gaza, and we're ready to activate all our instruments in our wide toolbox to support the implementation of the deal on a wide range of issues. Egyptian exports to the European market are a crucial financial lifeline for an economy trying to recover from years of recession. Last year, the IMF helped bail out the Egyptian economy in exchange for major economic reforms. In Brussels, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi sees the chance for a long-term partnership that benefits Egypt. For now, Gaza will be the most important issue that will bring the EU and Egypt to put together the stabilisation force, which is going to have a big say in the post-war transition. They hope to have an elected authority in the near future, so the EU, the US and major donors can start the mammoth task of rebuilding Gaza, which will take years and require billions of dollars. Hashim Ahmed, Al Jazeera, Brussels.

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Breakdown