Arab leaders have endorsed Egypt’s postwar reconstruction plan for Gaza, which aims to retain the existing population while rebuilding the area. The plan, costing $53 billion, includes removing debris, establishing temporary housing, and enhancing infrastructure without displacing residents. Egypt’s initiative stands in stark contrast to U.S. President Trump’s proposal to depopulate the region. The situation remains fluid, with rising humanitarian needs amidst ongoing conflict.
On Tuesday, Arab leaders supported Egypt’s postwar plan for Gaza, intended to keep the region’s 2 million Palestinians in place, countering U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to depopulate the area for redevelopment. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi announced the support during a summit in Cairo, attended by key regional figures including the emir of Qatar and the foreign minister of Saudi Arabia.
El-Sissi emphasized that the plan “preserves the right of Palestinian people in rebuilding their nation and guarantees their existence on their land.” Israel’s response remains uncertain, as they favor an alternative U.S. ceasefire plan alongside urging Hamas to disarm, amid accusations of violating international law by blocking essential supplies to Gaza.
Egypt’s reconstruction plan, estimated at $53 billion, aims to rehabilitate Gaza by the year 2030 without displacing its residents. Starting with removing debris, the plan includes establishing temporary housing for affected families, with rubble being repurposed for expansion along Gaza’s coast.
The initiative details plans for sustainable housing and necessary infrastructure, including an airport and a commercial port, to be facilitated by an international conference alongside the United Nations. The proposed governance changes include transferring power from Hamas to an interim administration until a reformed Palestinian Authority can regain control.
El-Sissi declared the necessity of crafting a parallel path to peace to establish a legitimate Palestinian state, stating, “There will be no true peace without the establishment of the Palestinian state.” His remarks reflect broader regional disapproval of Trump’s idea to re-settle Palestinians, as Egypt and Jordan strongly reject such proposals.
The ongoing conflict erupted after Hamas’s assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in significant loss of life on both sides, with Israel reportedly causing substantial casualties and destruction in Gaza. The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, with reports of massive displacement and urgent needs for aid across the region.
Ultimately, Egypt’s plan seeks not only to provide a framework for Gaza’s recovery but also represents a regional commitment to fostering a sustainable and dignified future for the Palestinian people amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
In conclusion, Egypt’s proposal for rebuilding Gaza signifies an important regional response to the humanitarian crisis following the recent conflict. Supported by key Arab leaders, the plan emphasizes the preservation of Palestinian identity and aims to reconstruct Gaza without displacing its population. However, the acceptance of this plan by Israel and the United States remains uncertain, as the situation continues to develop amidst ongoing strife in the region.
Original Source: globalnews.ca