Arab Leaders and UN Endorse Egypt’s Comprehensive $53 Billion Gaza Reconstruction Plan

The Arab League has supported Egypt’s $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza, presented by President al-Sissi. The plan aims to restore infrastructure, create housing, and support the establishment of a Palestinian state. UN and EU officials have endorsed the initiative, which faces challenges including Israeli demands for Hamas disarmament and necessary funding from Gulf states.

During an extraordinary session of the Arab League held in Cairo, Arab leaders endorsed Egypt’s ambitious plan to reconstruct the Gaza Strip, with an estimated cost of $53 billion. President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi presented the five-year plan, emphasizing the necessity for a viable Palestinian state to achieve lasting peace. He insisted, “There will be no real peace without establishing a Palestinian state,” affirming that peace could not be imposed by force.

However, for the reconstruction process to advance, Israel demands the disarmament of Hamas, which the group deems a non-negotiable condition. The Israeli Foreign Ministry critiqued the outcomes of the Cairo meetings, stating the discussions did not adequately address the realities following Hamas’s assaults on Israel in October 2023.

The proposed reconstruction plan outlines several key initiatives, commencing with a six-month recovery phase, focusing on debris removal and temporary housing. The first significant phase aims to construct 200,000 housing units over the next two years, with additional units planned subsequently. By 2030, the comprehensive strategy envisions the construction of hundreds of thousands of homes to accommodate upwards of 3 million residents, along with essential infrastructure like airports, industrial zones, hotels, and parks.

Egypt’s President Sissi urged the global community to support the reconstruction initiative, garnering validation from both the United Nations and the European Union. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed strong endorsement, stating the UN is ready to cooperate fully, while EU Council President Antonio Costa highlighted the plan’s potential to alleviate suffering for millions of Palestinians.

Other Arab leaders also expressed support, including Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa and Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who emphasized the importance of strengthening ties and addressing humanitarian crises in the region. Despite potential Gulf state involvement, which may be necessary for funding, Hamas acknowledged the Egyptian proposal, advocating for an Arab effort to resolve the humanitarian issues in Gaza.

The discussion at the emergency Arab summit was largely a response to US President Donald Trump’s controversial vision for Gaza, which involves relocating millions of Palestinians to other Arab nations. While Sissi acknowledged Trump’s potential for peace, he underscored the urgency of addressing the Palestinian concern within the broader peace dialogue.

The Arab League’s endorsement of the Egyptian reconstruction plan for Gaza marks a significant step towards addressing the humanitarian crisis resulting from recent conflicts. While the proposal is ambitious in scope, its success hinges on achieving cooperation among Palestinian factions and securing international support, particularly from Gulf states. The ongoing demands for disarmament from Israel present a challenge that complicates the path towards recovery and sustainable peace in the region.

Original Source: www.dw.com