Comparing Plans for Gaza: Egypt’s Reconstruction Initiative vs. Trump’s Proposal

The Arab League’s summit resulted in Egypt’s comprehensive $53 billion plan for Gaza’s recovery, focusing on infrastructure rebuilding and economic growth. In contrast, Trump proposed relocating Gazans to turn the territory into a U.S.-managed tourist area, met with global skepticism. Egypt’s plan emphasizes Palestinian residency and reconstruction without displacement, supported by the Arab League and the UN, while facing criticism from U.S. and Israeli officials.

On March 4, the Arab League convened in Cairo to review Egypt’s comprehensive proposal for Gaza’s future, estimated at $53 billion. The plan, documented in 112 pages, prioritizes emergency aid, infrastructure rehabilitation, and long-term economic development. While the conference endorsed the initiative, it acknowledged the necessity for further detailed deliberations as the plan progresses.

In contrast, U.S. President Donald Trump introduced his vision for Gaza on February 4, envisioning it as a U.S.-managed “Riviera of the Middle East,” contingent on relocating nearly two million residents to surrounding Arab nations. The proposal met widespread astonishment and ridicule, suggesting it was a strategic shock tactic designed to engage the Arab world in Gaza’s future deliberations.

Following Trump’s announcement, Egypt swiftly devised an alternative plan on February 17. This Egyptian initiative proposes “secure areas” within Gaza, offering Palestinians temporary shelter as international and Egyptian firms work to rebuild essential infrastructure. The plan promises tens of thousands of jobs to residents during the reconstruction phase, supported by multiple firms engaged in the effort.

At the close of the Arab League summit, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi emphasized the collective Arab support for the reconstruction plan, affirming that Palestinians should remain on their land. He expressed intent to collaborate with Trump and other nations for a just resolution to the Palestinian situation, which includes establishing statehood and ensuring regional stability.

The Egyptian plan presents a structured three-phase approach over five years, initiating with a six-month period for establishing safe zones and relocating 1.5 million displaced individuals into temporary housing. The second phase, spanning two years at a cost of $20 billion, focuses on building residential structures and utilities. Generally, the plan forecasts expenditure of $30 billion for constructing an airport, seaports, and an industrial zone in the third phase.

Additionally, the governance section of this proposal establishes a temporary mission to oversee humanitarian assistance and reconstruction, explicitly excluding Hamas. Despite this exclusion, Hamas has indicated public support for the Egyptian initiative, which signifies strong Arab solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

The summit’s final statement prompted the UN Security Council to consider deploying a peacekeeping force in Gaza. Egypt is also set to host an international conference to discuss reconstruction collaboration with the UN. Funding is anticipated from affluent Gulf states and managed through a World Bank-operated trust fund.

As the plan matures, it will explore the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state, with emphasizing connectivity between Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, drawing upon aspects from Trump’s earlier comprehensive proposal that suggested a contiguous Palestinian territory linked through infrastructure.

Although Trump’s plan faced immediate rejection by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and other Arabs, it received a differential reception from Egypt and Saudi Arabia, who appeared to remain open to negotiations. Egypt acknowledged the necessity of addressing the Palestinian issue while restoring their rights.

In contrast, Egyptian proposals have faced skepticism in U.S. and Israeli factions, with dismissals regarding feasibility. Responses from the White House and Israeli representatives characterized the Egyptian plan as detached from current realities. Nevertheless, the plan has secured backing from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who commended the Arab-led efforts for Gaza’s reconstruction while expressing readiness for collaboration.

Reactions from U.S. and Israeli officials may evolve as ongoing discussions reveal engagement even with factions such as Hamas regarding ceasefire negotiations, reflecting a potential shift towards dialogue.

In conclusion, two contrasting plans for Gaza’s future emerge from the Arab League summit and U.S. proposal. Egypt’s comprehensive strategy emphasizes rebuilding and allows Palestinians to remain in Gaza, gaining the endorsement of Arab nations. In contrast, Trump’s plan, focused on relocation and drastic infrastructural changes, faces skepticism and criticism. As the situation evolves, dialogue and negotiation may lead to adaptations of these proposals for Gaza’s reconstruction.

Original Source: www.jpost.com