Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Sunday called on citizens to contribute to the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, urging collective national participation in efforts to help Palestinians rebuild their communities. Speaking during the 42nd Armed Forces cultural symposium commemorating the 52nd anniversary of Egypt's 1973 October War victory, Sisi described the initiative as an expression of "solidarity, responsibility, and love" for the Palestinian people. While Egypt had previously announced plans to host an international conference for Gaza's reconstruction in November 2025, the president's remarks marked the first direct call for public participation in the reconstruction effort, framing it as a national expression of solidarity with the Palestinian people. Sisi said he instructed Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly to coordinate with civil society groups and relevant state bodies to establish a national mechanism for collecting donations to fund the rebuilding process. During his address, Sisi also reflected on Egypt's recent challenges, praising citizens for their patience amid economic pressures. He said the government's reforms aim for "real and lasting change," not short-term fixes, adding that overcoming the current difficulties will depend on "the effort, faith, and resilience of Egyptians." The president underscored the importance of media and art in shaping public awareness and countering misinformation, describing them as key to protecting the nation from "campaigns of distortion." The event, held at Cairo's Al-Manara International Conference Centre, blended commemoration of Egypt's military legacy with renewed calls for unity and regional solidarity as the country prepares for the Cairo International Conference on Recovery, Reconstruction, and Development of Gaza, expected to take place within the second half of November. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
