Arab leaders have endorsed Egypt’s $53 billion plan for rebuilding Gaza, rejecting Trump’s proposal to displace its Palestinian population. President el-Sissi underscored the importance of Palestinian retention in their homeland at the summit. Despite Israel’s objections, Hamas welcomed the initiative, leading to significant discourse concerning the future of the region amidst ongoing humanitarian crises.
At an emergency Arab summit held in Cairo, Arab leaders endorsed a plan proposed by Egypt to rebuild Gaza, which advocates for retaining its Palestinian population. This plan stands in stark contrast to United States President Donald Trump’s proposal, which suggested relocating the population and redeveloping Gaza into a resort area. The endorsement, worth $53 billion, was celebrated by Hamas while being dismissed by Israel and met with a tepid response from the Trump administration.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi expressed gratitude for the Arab consensus on the reconstruction initiative, emphasizing that it supports Palestinians remaining in their homeland without displacement. He also expressed hope for collaboration with Trump and the international community to resolve the Palestinian issue and guarantee regional stability.
The White House acknowledged the contributions of Arab nations but reiterated its stance that Hamas cannot continue to hold power in Gaza. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes stated that President Trump remains devoted to his vision for Gaza’s future while welcoming regional input to avert further crises.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry criticized the Egyptian plan for failing to address core issues of the conflict, claiming that it relies on outdated perspectives. Moreover, it rejected the summit’s conclusion for not condemning Hamas’ actions that initiated the recent conflict.
In defense of the plan, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty labeled Israel’s rejection as “unacceptable,” stressing that peace would only come with an independent Palestinian state as has been mandated by international laws. His comments highlight the necessity to enforce international law regarding the ongoing conflict.
Hamas expressed satisfaction with the summit’s outcome, viewing it as a reaffirmation of Arab and Islamic solidarity with the Palestinian cause. They praised Arab leaders for rejecting any proposals to displace Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank.
In parallel, Israel has been promoting its alternative proposal for a ceasefire correlated with the release of hostages, asserting that it does not intend to ease restrictions on humanitarian supplies flowing into Gaza until Hamas complies.
Egypt’s reconstruction plan aims to restore Gaza by 2030 without deporting its residents, focusing on rubble clearance and infrastructure revival, including the construction of housing and urban renewal projects. The proposal includes establishing an airport, a fishing port, and enhancing agricultural zones.
Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit highlighted that the summit’s outcomes called for an international peacekeeping force deployment. The plan envisions a new political landscape for Gaza, emphasizing a sustainable future for its residents while calling for an international conference to facilitate reconstruction efforts.
Furthermore, the ongoing conflict has led to significant loss of life and infrastructure destruction, with over 48,000 Palestinians reportedly killed during Israel’s military operations. The humanitarian challenges in Gaza have escalated dramatically, with around 90% of the population displaced and living in inadequate conditions.
In summary, Arab leaders have united in endorsing Egypt’s post-war reconstruction plan for Gaza, which ensures the Palestinian population remains in their homeland. This initiative directly counters Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate Gazans. Despite objections from Israel and the U.S., the plan seeks to establish a foundation for lasting stability in the region, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and peace efforts to support Palestinian rights and aspirations.
Original Source: apnews.com
