Egypt Unveils $53 Billion Reconstruction Plan for Gaza as Alternative to Trump Proposal

Egypt has proposed a $53 billion plan to rebuild Gaza as a counter to Trump’s controversial relocation proposal for Palestinians. The initiative emphasizes emergency relief, infrastructure rebuilding, and long-term economic development but leaves governance issues largely unaddressed. The plan must overcome significant political hurdles, including lack of support from Israel and opposition from Hamas, while seeking funding from Gulf nations.

Egypt has unveiled a $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza, aimed as an alternative to a controversial proposal by former President Donald Trump that suggested relocating the Palestinian population, which critics equate to a form of ethnic cleansing. The initiative was presented during an Arab League summit in Cairo and emphasizes emergency relief and infrastructure rebuilding alongside long-term economic development efforts.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi stated that Egypt’s plan would allow Palestinians to “remain on their land,” while United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed the UN’s readiness to cooperate fully with the initiative. However, the proposal does not clearly address the governance of Gaza, merely referencing support for a Palestinian administrative committee without clear backing from Israel, the occupying power.

Hamas, having faced significant setbacks due to ongoing conflict, remains a key political figure in Gaza and has firmly opposed any external imposition of reconstruction projects. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri stated, “We are keen for the success of the summit…and to protect the right of our people in resisting the occupation.”

The Egyptian plan does acknowledge armed factions in Gaza but suggests that a viable political process could restore Palestinian rights. Although Egypt collaborates with Israel on a blockade of Gaza, it also seeks alignment with regional Arab concerns regarding Israel’s aggressive measures. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, representing the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, attended the summit but has limited influence over Gaza’s governance.

Guterres has endorsed the Egypt-led initiative, advocating for prompt negotiations to maintain a fragile ceasefire. He warned of potential ethnic cleansing in light of Trump’s earlier proposals that suggested U.S. control over Gaza. Trump’s statements indicated intentions for the U.S. to oversee Gaza’s development, raising alarm among Arab nations regarding stability in the region.

Egypt’s draft plan outlines a two-phase approach. The first phase, intended to last six months, will focus on immediate recovery, including the removal of unexploded ordnance and temporary housing for over 1.5 million displaced individuals. The second phase, lasting over four years, aims to rebuild essential infrastructure and establish commercial facilities, including industrial zones and ports, necessitating significant investment from Gulf nations such as the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

In summary, Egypt’s substantial reconstruction proposal aims to provide a viable alternative to Trump’s contentious plans for Gaza, emphasizing sovereignty for Palestinians and international collaboration, particularly with the UN. While it attempts to address the immediate needs of those affected by conflict, critical issues such as governance and regional political dynamics remain unresolved. The success of this plan will depend significantly on securing support from both regional allies and the governing bodies within Gaza.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com