Shortly after President Sisi’s speech, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry announced that he had accepted joining the peace council led by Trump, highlighting Cairo’s support for the council, which could expand its role under the second phase of the U.S. plan comprising 20 articles.

Moving to the next phase—despite its difficulties, complexities, and challenges—was not an easy decision. One key issue involves disarming Hamas and rebuilding the devastated Gaza Strip, which would require donors to contribute around $80 billion to prevent further displacement of residents living under harsh conditions.

Former Egyptian General Intelligence Agency Undersecretary Major General Mohamed Ibrahim Al-Duwairi told Annahar: “Undoubtedly, moving to the second phase of Trump’s plan is a positive step, especially given Israeli attempts to block progress. However, the U.S. administration was determined to implement this phase to signal to all parties that it is serious about completing the entire plan, not just halting at one stage.”

Al-Duwairi added: “Despite this positive development, and our recognition that this transition offers hope for implementing subsequent stages consecutively, the reality shows many challenges in executing the second phase—most notably, disarming Hamas, determining the nature of forthcoming Israeli withdrawals from Gaza, and managing reconstruction. These issues require intensified efforts by intermediaries and active engagement, along with maximum pressure on the Israeli government to prevent obstacles to the second phase, as occurred during the first phase, which took over three months to implement after the war ended.”

Reconstruction

Therefore, one of the key points emphasized by the Egyptian president in his speech was “accelerating the launch of the early recovery and reconstruction process across the sector,” a clear indication that areas housing Hamas elements would not be excluded.

Al-Duwairi stated: "Undoubtedly, the real progress in the next phase will be tied to the start of reconstruction efforts, allowing Palestinians in Gaza—who endure the harshest humanitarian conditions—to feel hope for a better future across multiple areas, while still addressing other critical issues, most importantly disarmament, which remains a shared priority."

Plan Entities

The former Egyptian intelligence officer stated: "Egypt’s role in forming the Palestinian administrative committee, led by Dr. Ali Shaath, and supporting its members until they are fully prepared for their responsibilities in the sector, deserves commendation."