Egypt's Al-Azhar and Coptic Orthodox church have praised and supported the recent initiative that announced President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi to allocate $500 million for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, after the latest Israeli aggression. As per the presidential directives issued during the trilateral summit with France and Jordan in Paris earlier today, specialised Egyptian companies will be involved in the reconstruction process. The Head of Egypt's Al-Azhar Ahmed El-Tayyeb said the step reflects that the Palestinian cause is a priority for Egyptians and Arabs. "It is also an affirmation of Egypt's support of the legitimate and fair Palestinian cause, and the Palestinians' rights in establishing an independent state with Jerusalem as the capital," he added. Pope Tawadros II, the Pope of Egypt's Coptic Orthodox Church, said the initiative demonstrates the country's "historical role" in supporting the Arab people. The initiative gained nationwide support through several people and institutions. The Egyptian Coordination's Committee of Party's Youth Leaders and Politicians (CPYP) said "Egypt proves every day through its absolute support for the Palestinian cause that it is the regional balance that favours truth and justice." The initiative underscores that the Palestinian issue for Egypt is part of its national security's fundamentals, the CPYP added. It also proves that the Palestinian issue as a just, human cause tops Egypt's priorities, it added. Mostaqbal Watan (Future of the Homeland) Party, which holds the majority of Egypt's parliament seats, expressed its support for the president's initiatives. Federation of Egyptian Industries and the General Federation of Chambers of Commerce have also expressed their support to El-Sisi saying in a statement that they will be ready to support the initiatives via the federations' capabilities. Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip have killed more than 200 Palestinians, including many children and women, and have injured more than 1,400 in the last eight days. The airstrikes destroyed tens of buildings, leaving hundreds of Palestinians homeless. The Egyptian initiative will include training young Palestinian cadres in developmental programmes in order to become acquainted with the latest developments in management, leadership and technology. The training programmes will be provided by the country's National Training Academy (NTA) in partnership with major international institutions, the NTA said in a statement on Tuesday.
