Arab Leaders Back Egypt’s Gaza Reconstruction Plan at Cairo Summit
During an Arab League summit in Cairo, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi announced the endorsement by Arab leaders of Egypt’s plan for Gaza’s reconstruction, which aims to assist Palestinians without displacing them. President Mahmoud Abbas signaled the Palestinian Authority’s intention to regain control over Gaza. The five-year plan, estimated at $53 billion, seeks to restore infrastructure and improve living conditions following the recent conflict.
At a recent Arab League summit in Cairo, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi announced that Arab leaders had unanimously endorsed Egypt’s reconstruction plan for Gaza, emphasizing a vision for development without displacing Palestinians. Sisi remarked, “It has been endorsed,” highlighting the support for a strategy that counters a controversial proposal from former President Donald Trump, who suggested a U.S. takeover of Gaza.
President Mahmoud Abbas expressed the Palestinian Authority’s readiness to regain control over Gaza, which had been under Hamas’s rule since 2007. The discussions at the summit centered on establishing a comprehensive plan to rebuild the devastated territory after the recent conflict which began following a Hamas attack on Israel.
The Egyptian proposal involves a governance structure led by Palestinian technocrats to facilitate the PA’s return to Gaza. Abbas also shared that a committee had been created to prepare for the resumption of PA responsibilities in security and governance within Gaza, particularly focusing on restructuring and training forces in Egypt and Jordan.
The draft of Egypt’s reconstruction plan, amounting to $53 billion, outlines a five-year roadmap aiming to restore essential infrastructure. An immediate recovery phase will commence with $3 billion allocated for clearing debris and providing temporary housing, leading into a further commitment to building permanent structures and facilities up to 2030.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres endorsed the Arab-led initiative, expressing the United Nations’ willingness to collaborate on the reconstruction efforts. However, the absence of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman from the summit raises concerns regarding significant support from the region’s most influential economy.
As discussions continue regarding the return to lengthy ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, uncertainty remains. The situation requires an effective strategy from Arab states to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with Hamas emphasizing that the resistance’s armament remains non-negotiable in any future agreements.
In summary, the Cairo summit marked a significant moment for Arab leaders as they rallied around Egypt’s comprehensive plan for Gaza’s reconstruction. Despite the endorsement from various leaders, the role of the Palestinian Authority remains uncertain due to opposition from Israel. The proposed roadmap presents a substantial financial commitment aimed at addressing the severe humanitarian crisis, yet challenges in achieving a lasting peace endure amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
