U.S. and Israel Reject Arab-Nations Proposed Gaza Reconstruction Plan

Arab nations, led by Egypt, proposed a reconstruction plan for Gaza that does not involve the forced displacement of its residents. The Trump administration and Israel swiftly rejected the plan, citing Gaza’s uninhabitable conditions due to conflict. The Egyptian plan outlines three phases for rebuilding infrastructure, seeking international support to facilitate efforts in the region.

Arab nations, led by Egypt, have proposed a reconstruction plan for Gaza that opposes President Trump’s suggestion of displacing its residents for luxury development. This plan, unanimously adopted by leaders of the 22-nation Arab League, ensures that no Palestinians will be forcibly relocated during the rebuilding process. Conversely, the Trump administration and Israel quickly dismissed the proposal, alleging that Gaza is currently uninhabitable due to the damages from a prolonged conflict with Hamas.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry criticized the Egyptian proposal, arguing it relies on the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA, which they claim have failed to resolve ongoing issues and have shown corruption. They believe Arab nations have utilized Palestinians as political leverage. The ministry reiterated their endorsement of President Trump’s approach, erroneously presenting it as an opportunity for Gazans to exercise free will, even though it entails their potential displacement from Gaza.

U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes expressed that the Arab plan fails to address the harsh reality of Gaza’s conditions, emphasizing that the territory remains dangerous due to debris and unexploded ordnance. He reaffirmed President Trump’s commitment to a vision of rebuilding Gaza free from Hamas, signaling an openness to discussions aimed at achieving peace in the region.

In light of the ongoing conflict, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi urged an urgent need for a sustainable resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian crisis, expressing confidence in President Trump’s ability to assist in achieving lasting peace. Next week, Egypt will seek support from other Islamic nations for their reconstruction initiative at a summit in Saudi Arabia.

The Egyptian reconstruction plan includes three phases: urgent relief, construction of temporary housing, and establishment of vital infrastructure, amounting to a proposed cost of $53 billion. The first phase consists of building 200,000 temporary housing units within a year, costing $3 billion. The second phase would build 200,000 permanent units over two years for $20 billion. The final phase would see an additional 200,000 units constructed along with crucial service facilities requiring around $30 billion.

Central to the execution of this plan is the establishment of an administrative committee composed of independent Palestinian technocrats to temporarily oversee Gaza’s governance, transitioning back to the Palestinian Authority after six months. This administration would only commence following a confirmed ceasefire, as all aid and goods are currently regulated by Israel.

President el-Sissi appealed for international cooperation in funding the reconstruction plan and called for a conference to galvanize global support. The summit concluded with a call for the UN Security Council to dispatch peacekeepers to support stability and security for both Palestinians and Israelis, while also reaffirming the essential role of UNRWA in aiding Palestinian refugees amidst claims against the agency supporting Hamas.

In summary, the proposed reconstruction plan for Gaza by Arab nations emphasizes the need for an inclusive approach that does not displace residents. Although it faces swift rejection from the U.S. and Israel, the initiative aims to address urgent humanitarian needs and rebuild vital infrastructure. Ongoing discussions highlight the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the necessity for international cooperation and a sustainable ceasefire for any reconstruction efforts to proceed effectively.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com