Egyptian President Al Sisi announced at the Arab League summit that Arab leaders endorsed a reconstruction plan for Gaza, aiming to restore the territory without displacing Palestinians. The plan provides an alternative to U.S. proposals and involves a governance role for the Palestinian Authority. Challenges ahead include Israel’s stance and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
At the recent Arab League summit in Cairo, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi announced that Arab leaders had endorsed Egypt’s plan for the reconstruction and development of Gaza. This initiative aims to provide an alternative to the controversial proposals put forth by U.S. President Donald Trump, focusing on rebuilding Gaza without displacing its Palestinian residents. President Mahmoud Abbas expressed readiness for the Palestinian Authority to resume governance in Gaza, intending to counter Trump’s previously criticized leadership role for the U.S.
Al Sisi emphasized that the Egyptian approach would ensure Palestinians remain on their land and called for a meaningful political process. He asserted confidence in President Trump’s ability to contribute positively to the Palestinian cause without directly criticizing him. Under the Egyptian plan, a committee of Palestinian technocrats would oversee Gaza’s administration, setting the stage for the Palestinian Authority’s return to the territory.
In his address, President Abbas indicated that a working committee had been established to facilitate the Palestinian Authority’s resumption of governance and security duties in Gaza. This follows their loss of control in 2007 to Hamas, which reignited hostilities after the group’s attack on Israel in October 2023. Following widespread rejection of Trump’s control proposal by Palestinians and Arab states alike, a $53 billion draft plan was presented by Egypt, detailing a five-year reconstruction roadmap.
The reconstruction process is expected to span three phases, with the initial recovery phase focusing on clearing debris and providing temporary shelters. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres supported the Arab-led initiative, reinforcing the UN’s commitment to cooperation. Meanwhile, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was absent from the summit, which could influence regional support for reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant devastation and a dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, with Israel’s recent decision to halt humanitarian aid deliveries exacerbating the crisis. The ceasefire negotiations have reached a stalemate, especially regarding demands for the complete disarmament of Hamas. The outcome remains uncertain, with both sides entangled in a deadlock over the future of Gaza’s governance and the broader conflict.
In summary, the Arab League summit in Cairo witnessed significant support for Egypt’s reconstruction plan for Gaza, aiming to provide a viable alternative to U.S. proposals. The initiative, backed by Arab leaders and with the endorsement of the UN, seeks to address the humanitarian crisis while facilitating Palestinian governance. However, challenges remain in achieving consensus between Israel and Hamas, and the future governance of Gaza remains in question.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
