Arab Leaders Support Egypt’s Reconstruction Plan for Gaza Over Trump’s Proposal

Arab leaders have backed Egypt’s $53 billion plan to rebuild Gaza, presenting it as an alternative to Trump’s proposal to depopulate the territory. The plan aims to enhance living conditions for 2 million Palestinians and has garnered approval from Hamas. Rejection from Israel highlights ongoing tensions, while Egypt emphasizes the need for an independent Palestinian state to attain long-term peace and stability.

Arab leaders have officially endorsed Egypt’s plan to reconstruct the Gaza Strip, which aims to provide a sustainable future for the region’s approximately 2 million inhabitants. This initiative is positioned as a counterproposal to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial plan that suggested the depopulation of Gaza for development into a resort destination. At a summit in Cairo, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi welcomed the Arab consensus, emphasizing that Palestinians should remain on their land without displacement.

Launched with an estimated price tag of $53 billion, Egypt’s plan aims to strategically address the humanitarian crisis worsened by Israel’s blockade, which has greatly restricted access to food and essential supplies after prolonged conflicts. The plan includes phases such as removing unexploded munitions and clearing rubble from past military offensives. It seeks to reshape Gaza through sustainable development, including infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the living conditions of Palestinians.

Expectations for the plan’s success are mixed, as it has already received approval from Arab leaders and support from Hamas, while facing rejection from Israel and a lukewarm reception from Trump’s administration. The White House, while acknowledging the idea, insists that Hamas cannot govern Gaza. In contrast, Israeli officials perceive the Egyptian plan as not addressing current realities and continue to advocate for the deportation of Gazans.

Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty of Egypt criticized Israel for its dismissal of the reconstruction proposal, stating that peace in the region would be unattainable without establishing an independent Palestinian state. Furthermore, the summit’s conclusions called for international support, recommending the involvement of U.N. peacekeeping forces to maintain stability in the weary region.

Egypt’s comprehensive strategy also envisions various socioeconomic advancements, including the establishment of ports and airports, as part of broader efforts to boost local markets and trade. In addition, subsequent stages of the plan predict the comprehensive rehabilitation of Gaza’s infrastructure, which was devastated during the outbreak of violence triggered by a Hamas attack in October 2023 that led to extensive casualties on both sides.

Despite international condemnation of the ongoing blockade and humanitarian crisis, Israel continues to implement its security protocols, which they argue are essential for curbing Hamas’s influence and ensuring regional stability. The situation remains fluid, as calls escalate for cooperation among nations and humanitarian organizations to address the immediate needs of Gaza’s population, which faces dire circumstances amid the lingering conflict.

In conclusion, the endorsement of Egypt’s reconstruction plan by Arab leaders marks a significant political maneuver regarding the future of Gaza. It reflects a unified Arab stance against the depopulation proposals by the U.S. and emphasizes the necessity for a sustainable solution that retains the Palestinian population. The unfolding dynamics between Israeli interests, Palestinian needs, and international response remain critical to shaping the region’s future during this humanitarian crisis.

Original Source: apnews.com