Egypt has announced that Arab leaders support its reconstruction plan for Gaza, allowing residents to remain as an alternative to Trump’s proposal to depopulate the territory. The plan, discussed at a Cairo summit, focuses on rebuilding Gaza through a $53 billion initiative while addressing the need for a Palestinian state. Both the acceptance of this plan by Israel and future political negotiations remain highly uncertain.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi announced that Arab leaders have supported Egypt’s postwar initiative for the Gaza Strip, aimed at allowing its 2 million Palestinian residents to stay. This announcement followed a summit in Cairo, where the leaders rejected President Donald Trump’s proposal to depopulate Gaza and develop it into a tourist destination. The acceptance of the Egyptian proposal by Israel or the United States remains uncertain.
During the Cairo summit, attended by key Arab leaders and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, the future of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire was discussed. The Egyptian plan comes as Israel pushes a U.S. proposal that requires Hamas to release hostages in exchange for extended ceasefire negotiations without addressing the release of more Palestinian prisoners.
The Egyptian reconstruction plan, estimated at $53 billion, aims to rebuild Gaza by 2030 while retaining its population. Initial phases focus on clearing rubble caused by military actions, with temporary housing units to accommodate residents during reconstruction. The long-term vision includes sustainable communities, renewable energy usage, and infrastructure enhancement.
The proposal also envisions the establishment of an interim administration to govern Gaza while Hamas relinquishes power until a reformed Palestinian Authority is empowered. However, Israel refuses to allow such governance, insisting on Hamas’ disarmament. President el-Sissi emphasized, “There will be no true peace without the establishment of the Palestinian state.”
The initial draft of the summit statement suggested a permanent resolution for the Palestinian cause and urged for U.N. peacekeepers to be deployed; however, this mention was later removed. Israel’s ongoing dominance over territories obtained during the 1967 war presents challenges to Palestinian statehood aspirations, which remains opposed by the majority of Israeli leaders.
President Trump’s previous suggestion to relocate Gaza’s Palestinian residents was met with widespread rejection by Palestinians and neighboring Arab nations, asserting that it would violate international law. During the summit, European Union representatives reiterated their commitment to supporting Egypt’s plan while rejecting any demographic alterations in Gaza, reinforcing their backing for a two-state solution.
This summit constitutes a crucial element of Egypt’s strategy to counter the U.S. proposals, presenting a credible alternative focused on reconstruction efforts. As the humanitarian crisis continues in Gaza, regional dynamics will remain tense, drawing attention to the urgent need for a viable political solution.
In conclusion, the endorsement by Arab leaders of Egypt’s reconstruction plan for Gaza marks a significant step in proposing an alternative to President Trump’s controversial proposal. The plan aims to preserve the Palestinian population while rebuilding Gaza’s infrastructure and establishing a governance framework. The situation remains complex, with various regional and international stakeholders involved, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic efforts towards a peaceful resolution.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
