Arab leaders have collectively endorsed Egypt’s $53 billion plan to rebuild Gaza post-war, allowing its 2 million inhabitants to remain. This serves as a counterproposal to President Trump’s controversial approach of resettlement. The plan emphasizes reconstruction without displacement and seeks international support, amidst ongoing tensions regarding Hamas’s governance and Israel’s stance.
Arab leaders convened in Cairo to support Egypt’s postwar initiative for the Gaza Strip, which aims to allow approximately 2 million Palestinians to remain in the territory, countering U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal that called for the resettlement of Gaza’s population. The leaders allocated support for a $53 billion reconstruction plan, reflecting their collective condemnation of Trump’s strategy. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi welcomed the Arab consensus and expressed a desire to collaborate with Trump and other nations to achieve a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue.
The White House responded to the summit by welcoming suggestions but maintained that Hamas must not continue its governance in Gaza. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes stated, “President Trump has been clear that Hamas cannot continue to govern Gaza.” Simultaneously, Israel criticized the Egyptian plan, deeming it inadequate and arguing for Trump’s alternative, which suggests resettling Gaza’s residents as an opportunity for them to exercise choice.
Hamas endorsed the summit’s outcome, viewing it as a reinforcement of Arab solidarity against plans to displace Palestinians. Israel’s stance remains firm, as it endorses the U.S. proposal for a ceasefire conditional on Hamas’s release of hostages while keeping significant restrictions in place. Human rights organizations condemned these actions as violations of international law.
Egypt’s reconstruction plan aims to rebuild Gaza by the year 2030 without the displacement of its inhabitants. The preliminary phase includes the clearance of rubble from military actions and unexploded ordnance. The Arab League’s chief called for United Nations intervention and support in Gaza, emphasizing that peace is the countries’ strategic choice and backing the reconstruction plan as a path to increasing regional security.
The plan outlines the construction of temporary housing units and the repurposing of rubble for further development. Within the next few years, there are ambitions to create environmentally sustainable infrastructure, alongside establishing ports and transport facilities. While President Mahmoud Abbas attended the summit, there remains tension regarding the future governance of Gaza amid ongoing disputes about Hamas’s disarmament and the role of the Palestinian Authority.
Trump’s recent remarks about resettling Palestinians to redevelop Gaza were met with widespread opposition among Arab states and were seen as unlawful attempts to alter the status quo. Following Hamas’s attacks on Israel that began the recent conflict, the human cost has been tremendous, with over 48,000 Palestinian casualties reported. The appearance of overcrowded camps highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis stemming from the conflict.
Overall, there is a notable division among political leaders and factions regarding the future of Gaza, as Egypt and Arab states advocate for a comprehensive and just resolution, contrasting sharply with U.S. policy preferences and Israeli government perspectives.
In summary, the endorsement of Egypt’s reconstruction plan by Arab leaders signifies a unified rejection of Trump’s proposal to relocate Gaza’s population. As efforts for reconstruction and peace continue, challenges persist regarding Hamas’s governance and the humanitarian plight of Palestinians. The international community’s reactions reflect ongoing complexities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, underscoring the urgent need for dialogue and a lasting resolution.
Original Source: www.mankatofreepress.com
