Egypt’s Al-Azhar University was compelled to withdraw a strong statement condemning Israel for starving Palestinians in Gaza, reportedly under pressure from the Egyptian presidential office. The university said the statement might negatively affect ceasefire negotiations and thus rescinded it to help address urgent humanitarian needs. Ali Al-Qaradaghi, head of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, criticized the withdrawal as unjust. Meanwhile, human rights activists in the Netherlands and Egypt continue to protest the blockade and closure of Gaza's borders.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty announced that negotiations are underway for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages. The talks, involving Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, aim to deliver urgent medical aid to Gaza and implement the terms of a January 19 agreement. Abdel Aty emphasized that the move is a critical first step toward a permanent truce and warned that any renewed aggression would pose a major threat to regional stability.

Egypt’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Nazir Ayad has denounced a fatwa issued by the Qatar-based International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) calling for jihad against Israel, labeling it “irresponsible” and a violation of Sharia principles. The fatwa urged all able Muslims to take up arms and demanded immediate military, political, and economic action from Muslim countries. Ayad stressed that only legitimate state authorities have the mandate to declare war.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelattati has announced that a reconstruction plan for war-torn Gaza is ready. The plan ensures that Palestinians can remain on their homeland. It will be presented at an urgent Arab Summit in Cairo on March 4. He stated that Egypt seeks international support and funding for this plan, particularly emphasizing Europe’s critical role in financing Gaza’s reconstruction. Abdelattati affirmed that Egypt would ensure the Arab Summit's outcome is presented to the world in the best possible way.

Discussions are underway in Cairo regarding the second phase of the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in Gaza. On Thursday, Egypt, acting as a mediator, confirmed that delegations from Israel, Qatar, and the United States had arrived in Cairo to negotiate the next steps. The first phase of the ceasefire is set to end on March 1. Meanwhile, as part of the agreement, four bodies were exchanged for the release of over a hundred Palestinian detainees. So far, the war has claimed over 48,000 lives in Gaza, while more than 1,200 people have been killed in Israel.

Egypt’s Foreign Ministry has announced that the special Arab League summit on the Gaza crisis, initially scheduled for next week, has been postponed to March 4. The decision was made following consultations with member states. The summit was called in response to Donald Trump’s proposal advocating for the occupation of Gaza and the displacement of its residents. Arab nations, including Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, are expected to reinforce their cooperation and seek peaceful solutions. Analysts view the summit as a strong countermeasure against U.S. plans.