Why Egypt wants the US to move faster on Gaza stabilization efforts
Egypt has called on the United States to accelerate the deployment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) in the Gaza Strip, expand humanitarian access and complete the remaining commitments under the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan.
The appeal came during talks between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, according to Egypt’s Foreign Ministry, News.Az reports, citing Anadolu Agency.
Abdelatty urged the rapid establishment of the Palestinian committee tasked with administering Gaza, saying the move is essential for restoring stability. He also called for an end to Israeli actions in the occupied West Bank, warning that continued tensions could further destabilize the region.
The meeting took place as Israel’s public broadcaster KAN reported that around 30 Moroccan military officers had visited Gaza to prepare for Morocco’s participation in the planned International Stabilization Force. Morocco announced earlier this month that it would contribute military officers, police personnel and gendarmerie forces, while also setting up a field hospital in the enclave.
The temporary international force was approved by the UN Security Council in November 2025 under Resolution 2803 as part of a broader plan to end the Gaza war and oversee the territory’s transitional period. However, Israel has not yet granted final approval for the force’s deployment.
Beyond Gaza, Abdelatty and Rubio discussed growing regional tensions involving Iran, reaffirming the importance of implementing the memorandum of understanding signed between Washington and Tehran last month. The two sides also explored ways to resume US-Iran negotiations and reach a comprehensive agreement.
The officials further exchanged views on developments in the Horn of Africa and regional water security. Egypt reiterated its support for respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, called for adherence to international law governing shared water resources, and rejected unilateral actions that could threaten regional stability.
The meeting underscored Cairo and Washington’s continued coordination on Middle East security, humanitarian efforts and broader regional challenges.
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