Egypt’s Response to Trump’s Gaza Plan: The Cairo Declaration

The Arab League adopted a $53 billion Egyptian plan for Gaza reconstruction during an Emergency Summit on March 4, 2025. This initiative, contingent on Israeli ceasefire compliance, aims to establish a Gaza administration and secure financial support. It reiterates the need for a two-state solution and emphasizes Palestinian unity, while acknowledging the complexities introduced by Hamas and Israeli settlement policies.

On March 4, 2025, an Emergency Summit of the Arab League convened in Cairo, presenting a $53 billion Egyptian plan for the reconstruction of Gaza. This declaration emerges in response to Israel’s suspension of humanitarian aid to Gaza, following the initial phase of the Israel-Hamas Agreement. The Cairo Declaration represents the first united Arab initiative for Gaza’s future, contingent on a complete ceasefire agreement, especially by Israel.

This proposal builds upon the earlier Bahrain Declaration from May 2024, advocating for a Gaza administration committee comprised of qualified Gazans during a transitional phase. It emphasizes establishing a trust fund to finance recovery projects while committing to support from the Egyptian-led reconstruction efforts based on recommendations from the World Bank and the UN Development Fund.

The Cairo Declaration reinforces a previous call for United Nations peacekeeping forces in Gaza and the West Bank. Additionally, it upholds the Arab League’s ongoing endorsement of the two-state solution founded on the principles articulated in the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which necessitates an independent Palestinian state within the borders established by June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Furthermore, the Declaration highlights the necessity for the unification of Palestinian factions under the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. While Hamas is not explicitly mentioned in the declaration, its significance in the interim governance structure raises questions, especially given its prior electoral success in 2006.

The Cairo Declaration refutes notions of Palestinian ethnic cleansing and acknowledges the pivotal roles of Jordan and Egypt in safeguarding Palestinian rights, countering Donald Trump’s controversial suggestions for the resettlement of displaced Gazans. The proposal demands Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza, a crucial factor for sustaining the ceasefire.

A strategic timeline is laid out for peace in Palestine, stipulating that all Israeli military actions must cease prior to implementing the reconstruction plan and establishing interim governance. The Cairo Declaration serves as a foundational document amidst differing reconstruction visions between Arab states and the US-Israel alliance. However, it requires substantial cooperation from Israel, which remains uncertain under current leadership’s policies regarding Hamas.

Despite reiterated calls for the two-state resolution, the path toward its execution is fraught with challenges. As of 2023, the Israeli settler population in the West Bank reached 700,000, with ongoing expansion and plans for additional housing undermining the viability of a future Palestinian state. Should settlement activities persist, the realization of the two-state solution may remain unachievable.

The Cairo Declaration represents a significant Arab-led effort to reconstruct Gaza and establish a pathway toward peace, contingent upon both the ceasefire and Palestinian governance models. While the plan showcases regional unity and potential for civil recovery, challenges, including ongoing Israeli settlement activities and the political position of Hamas, threaten its implementation. The divergence of visions for Gaza’s future between Arab states and the US further complicates the prospective roadmap toward lasting peace in the region.

Original Source: indianexpress.com