Arab leaders have endorsed Egypt’s $53 billion plan to rebuild Gaza, opposing Trump’s proposal to depopulate the area. President el-Sissi emphasized support for Palestinian residents amid regional tensions. The plan aims for comprehensive recovery while facing criticism from the U.S. and Israel, illustrating the complexities of peace negotiations in the region.
Arab leaders have formally endorsed Egypt’s comprehensive plan to reconstruct the Gaza Strip, allowing the local population to remain amid escalating tensions following U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal, which sought to depopulate the area for redevelopment. The estimated $53 billion initiative was supported during a summit in Cairo, signaling a unified Arab stance against the American plan, which was welcomed by Hamas but met with disapproval from Israel and a tepid response from the Trump administration.
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi expressed gratitude for the Arab nations’ consensus on supporting the reconstruction strategy, emphasizing that it allows Palestinians to stay on their own land without displacement. Following the summit, he conveyed a desire to collaborate with U.S. leadership and the international community for a comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian issue and sustainable regional security and stability.
In response, the White House National Security Council criticized Egypt’s proposal, asserting it to be impractical and disregarding the harsh realities faced in Gaza, which is currently described as uninhabitable. They reiterated President Trump’s commitment to a vision that envisions a Gaza devoid of Hamas and expressed optimism for ongoing discussions aimed at regional peace and prosperity.
Israel’s government reacted unfavorably, stating the Egyptian plan overlooks current realities and is based on outdated viewpoints. Israeli officials highlighted that the proposal fails to address the October 7 attack by Hamas that ignited the ongoing conflict and reiterated their support for Trump’s strategy to resettle Gaza’s population as a means to ensure their free choice.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty condemned Israel’s stance, labeling it as an inflexible and extremist position dangerous for regional peace. He stressed the fundamental need for an independent Palestinian state in accordance with international law, underscoring that peace is unattainable without it.
Hamas characterized the outcomes of the summit as a pivotal moment for Arab and Islamic unity in support of Palestinian rights. They recognized the rejection of suggestions to relocate Palestinians and emphasized the importance of anchoring the Palestinian cause within the broader Arab agenda, aiming for a unified approach against displacement.
As humanitarian concerns mount, Israel is said to be advancing an alternative U.S. proposal aimed at securing a ceasefire, contingent upon the release of hostages held by Hamas during the attack that commenced the conflict. However, they are facing backlash for blocking essential supplies to Gaza, which many human rights organizations argue contravenes international laws governing occupying powers.
Egypt’s plan envisages a phased approach to rebuilding Gaza by 2030, beginning with the clearance of debris and unexploded bombs. The reconstruction strategy includes establishing temporary housing, expediting recovery efforts, and creating sustainable living spaces equipped with renewable energy, thus aiming for a total transformation of the region’s infrastructure.
The endorsement of Egypt’s reconstruction plan for Gaza by Arab leaders signifies a substantial collective opposition to President Trump’s controversial proposal to depopulate the territory. The plan seeks to address humanitarian needs while fostering an environment for peace and stability in the region. However, it faces challenges from Israel and the U.S. administration, highlighting the contentious nature of Middle Eastern geopolitics and the ongoing struggle for Palestinian rights.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
