Arab leaders have endorsed Egypt’s $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza as a counter to President Trump’s vision for depopulating the territory. Egyptian President el-Sissi emphasized Arab consensus on maintaining Palestinians in their homes. The plan aims to rebuild Gaza by 2030, focusing on humanitarian needs, while differing opinions arise on Hamas’ governance post-conflict.
In a summit held in Cairo, Arab leaders endorsed Egypt’s postwar initiative for rebuilding the Gaza Strip, which accommodates approximately 2 million Palestinians. This plan serves as an alternative to U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal, which suggests reducing the population of Gaza and transforming it into a resort area. The Arab leaders’ backing of the $53 billion plan signifies a rejection of Trump’s vision, prompting varied reactions from involved parties.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi expressed gratitude for the collective Arab support for the reconstruction plan, emphasizing it would allow Palestinians to remain on their land without displacement. He advocated for international collaboration to ensure the plan’s success alongside a broader peace initiative. The White House acknowledged the feedback from Arab states but maintained that Hamas must no longer govern Gaza postwar.
Reactions to the summit suggested a divergence in opinions. The White House confirmed President Trump’s commitment to his original proposal but remained open to input from Arab leaders. Conversely, an Israeli spokesperson criticized the Egyptian plan for failing to address current realities and called for the resettlement of Gaza’s population, a notion rejected by the Arab nations and Hamas.
Egypt’s plan aims to reconstruct Gaza by 2030, focusing on humanitarian needs and sustainable development while avoiding population displacement. The first step entails clearing bomb debris and unexploded ordnance. The recently convened Arab League summit has called for an international peacekeeping force to ensure stability and oversee reconstruction efforts in the region.
The Egyptian initiative proposes creating temporary housing units during the reconstruction process while aiming to establish a green and sustainable urban environment. This transformative vision includes opening ports and an airport in Gaza, reviving projects from the Oslo accords that previously lost momentum. However, disagreements remain over Hamas’ control and the Palestinian Authority’s potential involvement in governance.
The ongoing conflict escalated following Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, prompting a significant military response that has led to substantial loss of life and infrastructure devastation. During this military action, numerous Palestinians have been displaced, exacerbating humanitarian crises in the region. The implications of Trump’s controversial suggestions raised concerns over international law violations and were met with widespread condemnation.
The endorsement of Egypt’s reconstruction plan by Arab leaders represents a significant diplomatic shift in addressing the Gaza conflict, providing a framework that emphasizes the rights of Palestinians to remain in their homeland. In contrast, President Trump’s controversial proposal aimed at depopulating Gaza has faced rejection from multiple stakeholders, including Hamas and the Arab community. The international attention remains focused on the feasibility and execution of Egypt’s comprehensive strategy for peace and reconstruction in Gaza, amid the backdrop of ongoing humanitarian challenges.
Original Source: www.mankatofreepress.com
