Arab leaders at the Arab League summit endorsed Egypt’s $53 billion plan for reconstructing Gaza. The plan focuses on housing, infrastructure, and the necessity for a Palestinian state to achieve peace. Despite the support, Israel’s demand for Hamas’ disarmament remains a significant challenge. The summit also countered U.S. President Trump’s proposals for Gaza’s future, emphasizing the importance of regional stability and international cooperation.
During an extraordinary meeting of the Arab League held in Cairo, Arab leaders endorsed Egypt’s $53 billion plan for reconstructing the Gaza Strip, as announced by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi. The comprehensive five-year initiative is structured to support Palestinians in remaining on their land and emphasizes the necessity of establishing peace through the creation of a Palestinian state.
President Sissi stated that peace cannot be achieved through force, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and cooperation for a sustainable resolution. However, Israel remains firm in its demand for Hamas’ disarmament, perceiving it as a critical condition for proceeding with a ceasefire, a stance that Hamas has labeled a “red line.”
The reconstruction plan, detailed in a 112-page draft, outlines an initial recovery phase focused on debris removal and temporary housing installation, projected to cost approximately $3 billion. The first phase aims at constructing 200,000 housing units over two years, followed by another 200,000 units, aspiring to house up to 3 million individuals by 2030 with additional infrastructure developments.
Egypt’s President called for international backing of this initiative, which garnered support from both the United Nations and the European Union. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed strong endorsement, assuring his organization’s cooperation, while EU Council President Antonio Costa remarked that the plan offers hope to millions affected by the ongoing conflict.
The Arab summit’s discussions also aimed at countering U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial plans for Gaza. Amidst regional tensions, President Sissi believed that Trump could effectively contribute to a resolution regarding the Palestinian conflict, underlining the collective desire to alleviate hostilities in the region.
The endorsement of Egypt’s $53 billion Gaza reconstruction plan marks a significant step towards addressing the devastation caused by recent conflicts. Supported by Arab leaders and international bodies, the initiative emphasizes the necessity of establishing a Palestinian state as a foundation for lasting peace. However, the proposed disarmament of Hamas and the geopolitical complexities present challenges that require careful navigation to ensure successful implementation of the plan.
Original Source: www.dw.com
