Egypt and the U.S. have agreed to coordinate on a reconstruction plan for Gaza, initiated through discussions between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and White House Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff in Qatar. They outlined an Arab-approved plan estimated to take five years and cost about $53 billion, aimed at rebuilding Gaza while keeping its Palestinian residents intact. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant fatalities and international legal scrutiny against Israeli leadership.
On Wednesday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty engaged in discussions with White House Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff regarding a cooperative approach to a reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip. This dialogue emphasizes ongoing consultations designed to establish a comprehensive framework for rebuilding the region following recent conflicts.
The meeting, held in Qatar alongside a gathering of Arab foreign ministers, involved key figures including Eric Trager, the Senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa on the U.S. National Security Council. Abdelatty elaborated on an Arab reconstruction plan for Gaza, which received approval during an extraordinary Arab Summit in Cairo on March 4, 2025.
The parties reached an agreement to persist in ongoing dialogue concerning the reconstruction efforts as a foundation for long-term stability and recovery in the Middle East. The U.S. envoy acknowledged Egypt’s significant role in fostering peace initiatives within the region.
A comprehensive Arab plan to rebuild Gaza, ensuring that its Palestinian residents remain unrelocated, has received validation from both an Arab summit and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The initiative is projected to span five years and cost around $53 billion, reinforcing the necessity for restoration in the enclave.
This Arab proposal emerged as a counter to a controversial plan by former President Donald Trump to reposition Gaza as a tourist destination, which faced widespread condemnation for being akin to ethnic cleansing. Since October 2023, the region has endured substantial loss, with over 48,500 fatalities reported, predominantly among women and children due to the Israeli assaults.
The hostilities were momentarily halted via a ceasefire and a prisoner swap agreement that came into effect in January. Significant critiques have been directed at Israel, as the International Criminal Court in November issued arrest warrants for Israeli leadership, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity regarding the violence in Gaza.
In summary, the collaborative efforts between Egypt and the United States focus on reconstructing Gaza following severe conflicts. The strategic plan, endorsed by Arab nations, aims to ensure that the Palestinian population remains secure during reconstruction. The dire humanitarian situation persists, with historical implications stemming from previous geopolitical plans and ongoing judicial scrutiny of Israeli actions in the region.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
