The Arab League has endorsed Egypt’s $53 billion Gaza reconstruction plan at a summit in Cairo. The plan aims to restore the war-ravaged region and includes immediate relief efforts and long-term infrastructure development. Key international support was expressed, although Israeli concerns and Hamas’ position on disarmament remain unresolved. The summit reflects a unified Arab approach to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In a decisive Assembly held in Cairo, Arab leaders and international bodies endorsed Egypt’s $53 billion initiative for the reconstruction of Gaza, devastated by conflict. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi announced the five-year reconstruction plan emphasizes maintaining Palestinian presence in the region and stresses the necessity of establishing a Palestinian state for sustainable peace. He stated, “There will be no real peace without establishing a Palestinian state.”
The Israeli government, however, responded with skepticism, asserting that discussions in Cairo overlooked the reality following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which complicates the ceasefire’s progression. Israel insists on Hamas’ disarmament, a condition that Hamas has rejected as a crucial demand.
Egypt’s reconstruction proposal includes immediate measures over the next six months, focused on debris removal and temporary housing, costing approximately $3 billion. Subsequent phases involve constructing 200,000 housing units over two years with future plans aimed at accommodating 3 million people by 2030, along with essential infrastructure such as an airport and industrial zones.
President Sissi called for global backing of the reconstruction efforts while gaining support from the United Nations and the European Union. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres affirmed the initiative’s value, stating, “The UN stands ready to fully cooperate in this endeavor,” underscoring the importance of collective efforts in alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Support for the reconstruction plan was also echoed by various Arab leaders, including Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, highlighting the initiative’s potential to strengthen regional ties. Meanwhile, reactions within Gaza presented mixed feelings; although significant funding is expected from Gulf states like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Hamas endorsed the plan as a positive step towards addressing the humanitarian crisis caused by ongoing hostilities.
As the aftermath of the recent conflict continues to unfold, estimates indicate that nearly 70% of structures in Gaza are either damaged or destroyed, with over 245,000 homes affected. Moreover, the rubble accumulated from the conflict weighs over 50 million tons, emphasizing the urgent need for reconstruction.
The discussions in Cairo were prompted by concerns over US President Donald Trump’s plans to develop Gaza while resettling Palestinian communities, a proposal met with widespread backlash across the region. President Sissi remained optimistic about Trump’s potential to contribute to peace, stating, “I am sure Trump is able to carry that out amid our true desire to put an end for the tensions and hostilities in our region.”
The extraordinary summit in Cairo culminated in a broad endorsement of Egypt’s ambitious reconstruction plan for Gaza, with significant backing from both Arab leaders and international bodies like the UN and EU. Although skepticism remains from Israel regarding the situation with Hamas, the proposed plan emphasizes the establishment of a Palestinian state as a cornerstone for lasting peace. The collective aspirations highlighted during the summit reflect a crucial step towards addressing the dire humanitarian challenges and rebuilding efforts in the Gaza Strip.
Original Source: www.dw.com
