Arab leaders have backed Egypt’s plan for reconstructing Gaza, ensuring the right of its 2 million residents to stay, standing in opposition to President Trump’s controversial proposal to depopulate the area. The $53 billion initiative emphasizes rebuilding without forced displacement, although challenges regarding implementation and regional tensions persist.
On Tuesday, Arab leaders officially endorsed Egypt’s postwar reconstruction proposal for the Gaza Strip, designed for the approximately 2 million Palestinian residents to remain in their territory, countering a plan by U.S. President Donald Trump that aimed to depopulate Gaza and transform it into a beach resort. The acceptance of Egypt’s plan represents a significant rejection of Trump’s initiative, although its acceptance by Israel or the United States remains uncertain. President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi announced the vote during a summit in Cairo attended by prominent Arab officials, thereby underscoring regional backing for the Egyptian framework.
During the summit, el-Sissi articulated that the reconstruction plan “preserves the right of Palestinian people in rebuilding their nation and guarantees their existence on their land.” In parallel, Israel has responded by promoting an alternative U.S. proposal centered on a ceasefire and the hostage situation following Hamas’s assault on October 7, 2023. Israel has imposed a blockade on essential supplies to Gaza, hoping to compel Hamas to accept the new terms, raising concerns of renewed hostilities amidst ongoing humanitarian crises.
Egypt’s reconstruction plan, valued at $53 billion, aims for completion by 2030 and envisions the establishment of temporary housing units for displaced Palestinians amid extensive cleanup operations. The initial phase includes clearing over 50 million tons of debris and establishing a trust fund overseen by the World Bank to kickstart recovery efforts. The comprehensive strategy also envisions the development of sustainable infrastructure, including the opening of a commercial port and a fishing port, projects previously hindered by the failure of the peace process following the Oslo Accords.
The reconstruction plan also stipulates that Hamas must relinquish control to a transitional administration until a reformed Palestinian Authority can take over, a notion strongly opposed by Israel and the U.S., which demand Hamas’s disarmament. The latter recently expressed conditional willingness to share governance, but reaffirmed its intention to retain arms until there is a recognized Palestinian state. After addressing the summit, el-Sissi expressed the necessity for a political pathway to ensure a just resolution to the Palestinian plight.
In response to Trump’s controversial suggestion that Gaza’s residents be displaced, both Egypt and Jordan have emphatically rejected the idea. King Abdullah II of Jordan previously expressed willingness to treat a limited number of Palestinian children from Gaza, reflecting his concerns regarding Trump’s proposal. Amidst ongoing conflict, evidence suggests that Israel’s military actions have resulted in significant Palestinian casualties and extensive destruction, with humanitarian conditions exacerbating for those displaced within the densely populated enclave.
The endorsement of Egypt’s postwar reconstruction plan for Gaza signifies a concerted effort by Arab leaders to provide a viable alternative to President Trump’s controversial proposal. While international and regional support has been garnered, challenges remain regarding acceptance by Israel and the U.S. The plan seeks to maintain Palestinian presence in Gaza, focus on reconstruction, and establish an interim administrative framework to pave the way for future governance. Nonetheless, underlying tensions and the humanitarian crisis continue to pose significant barriers to achieving a lasting peace and security in the region.
Original Source: globalnews.ca
