Arab Nations Support Egypt’s $53 Billion Plan for Gaza Reconstruction
Arab League leaders convened in Cairo to approve a $53 billion Egyptian reconstruction plan for Gaza, focusing on a six-month recovery phase. The plan aims to build 200,000 housing units in the first two years, expanding to 3 million residents by 2030 with new infrastructure. It has garnered support from the UN and the EU, with calls for Gulf state involvement in funding.
At a recent special meeting in Cairo, leaders of the Arab League endorsed Egypt’s ambitious plan to rebuild the Gaza Strip, which is estimated to cost $53 billion. A key early phase involves a six-month recovery effort, focusing on clearing rubble and establishing temporary housing, carrying an estimated budget of around $3 billion.
The plan outlines constructing 200,000 housing units in Gaza over the next two years, followed by an additional 200,000 units. By 2030, the proposal aims to accommodate up to 3 million residents through the development of new homes, alongside an airport, industrial hubs, hotels, and parks.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced that an “independent” Palestinian authority would oversee the reconstruction, with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas indicating readiness for involvement. Sisi further urged the international community to support Egypt’s initiative, which has garnered backing from both the United Nations and the European Union.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed strong endorsement of the plan during the Cairo summit, indicating that “the UN is prepared to cooperate in this effort fully.” EU Council President Antonio Costa echoed this support, emphasizing the hope the proposals bring to millions of Palestinians affected by recent conflicts.
Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa also praised the initiative, urging regional support to enhance collaboration and protect shared interests. Notably, Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa criticized previous proposals, claiming they were unacceptable under current circumstances.
To fund the reconstruction, it will be essential to involve wealthy Gulf states such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, both of which oppose Hamas. Current UN estimates suggest that nearly 70% of Gaza’s buildings are either damaged or destroyed, affecting over 245,000 homes as the full extent of devastation unfolds.
In summary, the Arab League has approved Egypt’s comprehensive plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, which encompasses a significant economic investment aimed at rebuilding homes and infrastructure. The involvement of international organizations and the Gulf nations will be pivotal in realizing this initiative, as leaders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts for regional stability and support for the Palestinian people.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
