The Arab League has proposed a Gaza reconstruction plan that emphasizes humanitarian relief without displacing residents, which has been rejected by the U.S. and Israel. The plan includes phases for temporary and permanent housing, totaling around $53 billion, while significant points of contention remain regarding governance and security in the region. International support is crucial for the plan’s viability.
The Arab League, led by Egypt, has proposed a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza, rejecting President Trump’s controversial proposal to displace the Palestinian population. During a recent summit in Cairo, 22 Arab leaders adopted the Egyptian plan, which emphasizes humanitarian efforts without the forced evacuation of Gaza’s inhabitants during reconstruction.
In response, both the U.S. and Israel swiftly dismissed the Egyptian plan, affirming Trump’s view that Gaza is currently uninhabitable due to the extensive destruction caused by the conflict with Hamas. The Trump administration reiterated its stance that allowing the current residents to remain would not be feasible under the existing conditions.
Palestinians have expressed strong opposition to any proposal that would displace them from Gaza, viewing it as a form of ethnic cleansing. Although Hamas endorsed the Arab nations’ proposal, it has consistently refused to disarm, an action Israel deems critical for any potential ceasefire.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry criticized the Egyptian plan, asserting its reliance on the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA, organizations the ministry claims have failed in their responsibilities. Furthermore, Israeli officials accused neighboring Arab nations of utilizing Palestinians as a means against Israel since its inception.
U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes supported Trump’s vision for Gaza, asserting it would be rebuilt free from Hamas influence. Hughes stated, “We look forward to further talks to bring peace and prosperity to the region,” emphasizing the notion that Gaza’s current state hinders humanitarian living conditions.
At the summit, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi urged collective international efforts to establish a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, expressing confidence in President Trump’s ability to contribute positively toward peace efforts. The Arab League plans to seek further support for the proposal in an upcoming summit in Saudi Arabia.
The Egyptian plan details a phased reconstruction approach starting with urgent relief operations, aimed at providing immediate assistance, including the construction of 200,000 temporary housing units at a cost of $3 billion. The subsequent phases address permanent housing and infrastructure, culminating in a total projected cost of around $53 billion for rebuilding Gaza.
The plan entails an independent Palestinian administrative committee managing Gaza during the interim before the Palestinian Authority assumes control. Egypt would also provide training to Palestinian security personnel, although the timeline for these actions remains unclear. A significant aspect of this plan hinges on establishing a permanent ceasefire prior to any reconstruction efforts.
Egypt’s President has called on international community members to contribute financially and participate in an upcoming reconstruction conference. The leaders collectively urged for the involvement of international peacekeepers to promote security in both Palestinian and Israeli communities and emphasized the importance of supporting UNRWA in its humanitarian mandate throughout the region.
The reconstruction plan for Gaza proposed by Arab nations aims to provide humanitarian assistance without displacing residents, contrasting sharply with the U.S. approach that prioritizes security concerns tied to Hamas. Despite the Arab League’s unanimous support for the Egyptian initiative, both the U.S. and Israel have dismissed it, highlighting the geopolitical complexities surrounding Gaza’s future. The success of any reconstruction efforts is contingent upon achieving a long-lasting ceasefire and garnering significant international support and funding.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
