UN and Arab Nations Endorse Egypt’s $53 Billion Gaza Reconstruction Plan

Arab leaders have approved Egypt’s $53 billion plan to rebuild Gaza, focusing initially on debris clearance and temporary housing. The plan envisions constructing 400,000 housing units by 2030 and includes extensive infrastructure to support up to 3 million residents. UN and EU leaders have expressed strong support, emphasizing the need for international collaboration and Gulf state involvement for financing.

At a special meeting of the Arab League held in Cairo, leaders have officially endorsed an ambitious Egyptian plan aimed at reconstructing the devastated Gaza Strip. The detailed 112-page document, as reviewed by DPA and Reuters, outlines a preliminary six-month recovery period dedicated to debris clearance and the establishment of temporary housing, with an initial projected cost of around $3 billion.

The plan’s initial phase aims to construct 200,000 housing units in Gaza over the next two years, followed by the addition of another 200,000 units. By 2030, the broader initiative envisions a comprehensive development that includes hundreds of thousands of new residences for up to 3 million people, as well as infrastructure such as an airport, industrial zones, hotels, and parks.

President Sisi proposed that an independent Palestinian entity be established to manage Gaza amidst the reconstruction efforts, which Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has indicated his authority is willing to support. Sisi urged the international community to back the Egyptian initiative, which is already endorsed by the United Nations and the European Union.

During the Cairo summit, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed strong endorsement of the Arab-led reconstruction plan, stating, “the UN is prepared to cooperate in this effort fully.” EU Council President Antonio Costa supported the proposals, highlighting that they offer hope to numerous Palestinians and could alleviate the profound suffering witnessed over recent years.

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa praised Egypt’s reconstruction initiative and stressed the need for regional cooperation to solidify ties and safeguard national interests. Additionally, Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, in attendance for the first time since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, described Trump’s proposals as “a crime that cannot take place.”

Successful financing for the reconstruction will depend significantly on the involvement of wealthy Gulf states, particularly the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, both of which do not support Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza. Although the full extent of the destruction remains to be assessed, the UN has estimated that nearly 70% of all structures in Gaza have been affected or destroyed, impacting more than 245,000 homes.

In conclusion, the endorsed Egyptian plan for Gaza’s reconstruction represents a significant step toward recovery for the region. It includes extensive housing development and infrastructure initiatives, alongside international support from the UN and EU. Financial backing from Gulf nations will be vital to ensure the plan’s successful implementation amid the ongoing challenges presented by the area’s governance and humanitarian needs.

Original Source: newscentral.africa