Egypt Proposes Counterplan to Trump’s Gaza Strategy, Supported by Arab Leaders

Egypt’s President el-Sissi stated that Arab leaders backed a counterproposal to Trump’s Gaza plan, allowing Palestinian residents to stay. The plan focuses on reconstruction and sustainable development of Gaza while addressing the political situation post-conflict. The feasibility of this initiative depends on the acceptance by Israel and the U.S., as ongoing negotiations regarding the region’s future continue amidst a fragile ceasefire.

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi announced that Arab leaders have endorsed a counterproposal to U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial plan regarding the Gaza Strip. This endorsement occurred during a summit in Cairo, where leaders addressed plans that would permit the existing population of approximately 2 million Palestinians to remain in Gaza. The feasibility of this Egyptian plan being accepted by Israel and the United States is still uncertain.

The Cairo summit, attended by key leaders including the Emir of Qatar and representatives from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, aimed to provide a unified Arab response to the ongoing crisis. Notably, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres was present, emphasizing the summit’s significance. The Arab leaders expressed their alignment against any proposal aimed at depopulating the Gaza Strip.

Israel has shown a preference for a different proposal presented by the U.S. regarding ceasefire conditions and hostages taken during the recent conflict instigated by a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Amid accusations of war crimes, Israel has restricted aid access to Gaza to pressure Hamas to accept the new proposals, causing a humanitarian crisis and criticism from international human rights organizations.

The Egyptian proposal outlines a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza, valuing $53 billion and aimed for completion by 2030 without displacing its residents. It includes phases for clearing rubble from previous bombardments, establishing temporary housing units, and initiating sustainable urban developments alongside the establishment of ports and an airport, expectations that had previously been set forth in the Oslo accords but unmet due to the collapse of peace negotiations.

Additionally, the proposal stipulates that Hamas would transfer authority to an interim administration of political independents until a refreshed Palestinian Authority can regain control. President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority attended the summit, though Israel has explicitly rejected any involvement from his administration in Gaza citing demands for disarmament of Hamas.

President el-Sissi articulated that this plan “preserves the right of Palestinian people in rebuilding their nation and guarantees their existence on their land.” He emphasized the necessity for a parallel peace process to achieve a just solution. Discussions surrounding the presence of international peacekeepers in these territories were also initially suggested but later removed from the draft statements by summit attendees.

The international community, represented by the European Union, indicated its readiness to back Egypt’s reconstruction strategy, affirming a commitment to maintaining territorial integrity without endorsing demographic changes. This sentiment extends to the broader aspiration for a two-state solution allowing both Palestinians and Israelis to coexist peacefully.

Egypt is positioning itself as a credible facilitator of an alternative development strategy, one that emphasizes reconstruction as a viable path forward. With numerous logistical and political challenges ahead, leaders at the summit are determined to promote a plan that shields Palestinian rights while addressing Israel’s security concerns.

In summary, the endorsement of Egypt’s reconstruction plan by Arab leaders marks a significant diplomatic effort to counter Trump’s controversial Gaza proposal aimed at depopulation. The plan, which allows the Palestinian population to remain in Gaza, emphasizes sustainable development, political restructuring, and peace negotiations. As Egypt navigates its role as a mediator, the response from Israel and the U.S. remains critical in determining the future of the Palestinian territories.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com