Arab Leaders Endorse Egypt’s Gaza Reconstruction Plan at Cairo Summit

Arab leaders convened in Cairo to endorse Egypt’s $53 billion plan for Gaza’s reconstruction, rejecting Trump’s vision of relocating residents. The plan emphasizes the rights of Palestinians to remain on their land, offers temporary housing, and establishes a framework for future governance and security. Key leaders call for a two-state solution, underlining that lasting peace requires respecting Palestinian sovereignty and addressing humanitarian crises.

In an emergency summit held in Cairo, Arab leaders unanimously supported Egypt’s ambitious reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip, which aims to retain the area’s two million residents. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi emphasized that the plan protects the rights of Palestinian people and allows them to rebuild their homeland. The comprehensive initiative, valued at $53 billion, includes an initial six-month phase providing temporary housing to 1.5 million displaced individuals within Gaza before moving into two further reconstruction phases expected to conclude by 2030.

During the summit, President al-Sisi described the recent Israeli military actions in Gaza as detrimental attempts to displace Palestinians forcibly. He highlighted the resilience of the Palestinian population and reaffirmed Egypt’s effort to collaborate with Palestinian leaders in establishing a committee to manage Gaza’s administration temporarily. Training for Palestinian security forces will also take place to maintain order in the region throughout the reconstruction process.

Al-Sisi proposed that the reconstruction initiative be linked with a peace strategy, urging international support for a fair resolution to the Palestinian dispute. He reiterated that true peace hinges on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, while ensuring Israel’s security. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas echoed these sentiments, urging Arab leaders to endorse the Gaza reconstruction plan and reject any displacement of Palestinians.

Jordan’s King Abdullah also voiced strong disapproval of efforts to displace Palestinians or annex their territories, reaffirming his commitment to the reconstruction plan and insisting that a two-state solution is vital for lasting peace. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the summit as a crucial step towards alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, urging the need for a clear political framework that facilitates recovery and stability, while maintaining respect for Palestinian self-governance rights.

The summit was poised to conclude with an endorsement of Egypt’s reconstruction plan, with regional leaders collectively rejecting U.S. President Trump’s proposal to transform Gaza into a relocated settlement dubbed the “Middle East Riviera.” The gathering illustrated a strong regional commitment to preserving the Palestinian presence in Gaza and advancing their rights in the face of ongoing challenges.

The Cairo summit underscored Arab leaders’ collective determination to support Egypt’s Gaza reconstruction plan, emphasizing the protection of Palestinian residents and their rights. The initiative, which spans several years and includes significant financial resources, aims to restore stability in the Gaza Strip while advocating for a two-state solution. Key regional figures reinforced the rejection of displacement and affirmed their commitment to peace and security in the region.

Original Source: www.upi.com