Ashraf AboArafe
Cairo – July 20, 2025
German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Reem Alabali-Radovan, arrived in Cairo today for high-level talks with Egyptian officials on the reconstruction of Gaza. The visit follows the recent presentation of a comprehensive Arab plan aimed at rebuilding the war-torn coastal enclave.
In a formal statement, Minister Alabali-Radovan praised the Arab plan, calling it “a realistic path for Gaza’s reconstruction,” and emphasized the urgency of early engagement:
“This plan offers a promising starting point to restore hope for the people of Gaza. As Germany’s Development Minister, I want to be involved from the outset. Germany is committed to contributing to Gaza’s reconstruction. We must begin discussing how to make this enormous task a success—even though the current situation remains dire.”
The minister highlighted that certain key preconditions must be met before reconstruction can proceed effectively, including a secure humanitarian situation, a lasting ceasefire, and a political framework that opens a genuine window for peace and security.
She stressed, “Hamas must not retain any authority in Gaza, nor continue posing a threat to Israel. Additionally, there must be no forced displacement, land reduction, or resettlement in Gaza or the West Bank.”
During her visit, Alabali-Radovan is set to meet with Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Foreign Minister Ambassador Badr Abdelatty, Minister of International Cooperation Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, and Ambassador Hossam Zaki, Deputy Secretary-General of the Arab League.
Talks will focus on mechanisms to implement the Arab reconstruction initiative and explore the potential involvement of Germany’s development ministry in the multi-year effort.
Reconstructing Gaza is considered a massive, long-term undertaking, expected to span the next decade. It will require broad international cooperation and a fair distribution of responsibility, involving not only regional actors but also the United Nations and global donors. Germany insists that any reconstruction must be part of a comprehensive, negotiated path toward a two-state solution.
Should conditions on the ground improve, the German Development Ministry plans to initiate immediate measures in Gaza, such as restoring water and energy supplies and providing temporary housing.
Germany has previously contributed to Gaza’s development, particularly in drinking water, sanitation infrastructure, and sustainable economic development.
