European Foreign Ministers Endorse Egypt’s Gaza Reconstruction Plan Amid Tension

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and European foreign ministers endorse Egypt’s $53bn reconstruction plan for Gaza, which aims to improve living conditions without displacing Palestinians. The proposal has been rejected by Israel and the U.S. Amid ongoing ceasefire discussions, there are growing concerns regarding the political future of Gaza and the role of Hamas.

On March 8, 2025, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, in conjunction with his counterparts from France, Germany, and Italy, expressed support for a $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza proposed by Egypt. This Arab-backed initiative aims to reconstruct Gaza while ensuring that Palestinians are not displaced. However, it has been met with rejection from both Israel and the United States.

The reconstruction plan, which was created with the backing of Arab leaders, is seen as a pivotal element for restoring stability in the region. It is designed to improve the dire living conditions for Palestinians and calls for the establishment of a Palestinian administrative committee comprising independent technocrats to oversee governance in Gaza during a transitional phase. This committee would operate under the supervision of the Palestinian Authority.

European ministers in their joint statement asserted, “The plan shows a realistic path to the reconstruction of Gaza and promises – if implemented – swift and sustainable improvement of the catastrophic living conditions for the Palestinians living in Gaza.” They emphasized their commitment to collaborating with the Arab initiative and acknowledged the significance of the collaborative efforts made by Arab states in developing this proposal.

The statement further specified that Hamas must no longer govern Gaza or constitute a threat to Israel, supporting the central role of the Palestinian Authority in managing Gaza’s future. Meanwhile, Muslim foreign ministers condemned calls for the displacement of Palestinians, labeling such actions as ethnic cleansing and a violation of international law.

The ongoing ceasefire, which commenced in mid-January following an extensive conflict, provided a temporary respite from hostilities, allowing for the exchange of hostages. However, prospects for the next phase of the ceasefire discussions, which include further hostage releases and negotiation of a long-lasting truce, now appear uncertain due to growing tensions.

The support from European foreign ministers for Egypt’s reconstruction plan for Gaza highlights a critical moment in international diplomacy regarding the region. This initiative, aiming to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians without displacing them, faces opposition from Israel and the United States. The overarching goal remains the establishment of a sustainable peace and effective governance in Gaza, necessitating a united approach among international stakeholders to achieve lasting stability.

Original Source: news.sky.com