Spotlight on Gaza re-construction in Cairo conference

Cairo, Oct 12: US Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Cairo Sunday to participate in a conference aimed at raising funds for the re-construction of the war-torn Gaza Strip.

The conference will be attended by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, UN General Secretary Ban Ki-Moon, chief of Arab League Nabil Al Arabi, and representatives of the International Tripartite Committee, Xinhua reported.

Senior officials from 50 countries will also attend the talks.

The conference targets collecting financial aid to reconstruct Gaza and the Palestinian government calling for $4 billion in funds.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will address the international conference.

Sisi will highlight Egypt's commitment to the Palestinian cause in general and particularly the safety and interests of civilians living in the Strip.

Egypt has mediated indirect ceasefire talks between Palestine and Israel after the enclave endured the Israeli offensive in June.

The Israeli military operation killed nearly 2,200 Palestinians, mostly civilians, while attacks by Gaza militants killed 73 on the Israeli side.

IANS