How a network of entrepreneurs and security actors in Egypt wants to profit from the reconstruction of Gaza

Whether and when the Gaza Strip will be rebuilt is uncertain in view of the renewed fighting between Israel and Hamas. Should this happen, the reconstruction plan presented by Egypt is likely to provide the blueprint. A network of economic and security actors centred around Ibrahim al-Argani - an entrepreneur with close ties to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who has previously profited from the precarious situation in Gaza - stands to benefit in particular. Germany and its European partners who support the Egyptian plan should therefore insist on maximum transparency and accountability. Otherwise, there is a risk not only of disregarding Palestinian interests and incurring excessive costs, but also of further entrenching Egypt's authoritarian system of governance.