A $53 billion Arab-supported reconstruction plan for Gaza has received backing from several European nations, while facing resistance from the U.S. and Israel. European leaders advocate for a Palestinian-led approach, emphasizing the need for a political framework and Hamas’s removal from governance. Concerns persist about the practicality of the plan amid the current uninhabitable conditions in Gaza.
A $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza, backed by Arab nations, has received support from European countries including France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, despite opposition from the United States and Israel. The foreign ministers of these European nations emphasized that the plan outlines a feasible path for improving the harsh living conditions faced by Palestinians in Gaza, contingent upon effective implementation.
The European leaders advocated for a comprehensive post-war strategy anchored in a strong political and security framework. They underscored the necessity for Hamas to relinquish its governance over Gaza while highlighting the pivotal role of the Palestinian Authority in executing a reform agenda for the region.
In response to President Trump’s U.S. proposal for Gaza, an Egyptian initiative has emerged with a $53 billion plan intended to emphasize Palestinian-led reconstruction rather than resettling displaced Gazans elsewhere. This comes after Egypt expressed concerns regarding its national security in hosting Palestinian refugees.
Both the U.S. and Israel have criticized the Arab-supported plan. Oren Marmorstein, Spokesperson for the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that the plan fails to consider the realities post-October 7, 2023, suggesting that it is based on outdated viewpoints. He further expressed skepticism regarding the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA, citing issues of corruption and terrorism.
U.S. officials provided mixed assessments of the plan. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, regarded it as a “good faith first step,” while State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated it does not meet the prerequisites of President Trump’s vision. Concerns were echoed by National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes, who remarked that the current proposal does not address the dire conditions in Gaza, which remains uninhabitable due to debris and unexploded ordnance.
President Trump faced backlash for suggesting U.S. oversight of Gaza, proposing to transform it into a luxurious destination, referred to as the “Riviera of the Middle East.” This sparked notable discussion and criticism particularly in the context of U.S.-Israeli relations.
In summary, the $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza has garnered significant European support despite criticism from both the United States and Israel. The plan aims for a Palestinian-led recovery and emphasizes the need for Hamas to cede control. While U.S. officials recognize its potential, significant concerns remain regarding the feasibility and immediate realities on the ground, complicating the path to recovery in Gaza.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
