Egypt Proposes Comprehensive Reconstruction Plan for Gaza Following Conflict
Egypt’s postwar plan for Gaza, endorsed by Arab leaders, allows its 2 million Palestinians to stay, contrasting Trump’s proposal to remove them. The $53 billion plan aims to rebuild without displacing residents, while challenges regarding Israeli demands and Hamas’ disarmament persist. A parallel peace process is stressed as vital for achieving a lasting resolution for the Palestinian cause.
On Tuesday, Arab leaders endorsed Egypt’s postwar plan for the Gaza Strip, allowing its approximately 2 million Palestinians to remain, countering U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to depopulate the territory. The plan was announced by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi during a summit in Cairo attended by influential leaders including the emir of Qatar and the foreign minister of Saudi Arabia, whose support is essential for any postwar initiative.
President el-Sissi emphasized that the plan maintains the rights of the Palestinian people to rebuild their nation while guaranteeing their existence on their homeland. Meanwhile, Israel has proposed an alternative U.S. ceasefire plan, advocating for Hamas to release hostages taken during the conflict that began on October 7, 2023. Criticism arose regarding Israel’s restrictions on supplies to Gaza, underscoring its potential violation of international humanitarian obligations.
Egypt’s comprehensive $53 billion reconstruction plan aims to revitalize Gaza by 2030 without displacing its inhabitants. The initial phase includes clearing rubble and unexploded ordnance, with plans for temporary housing units for displaced residents during reconstruction. The proposed new infrastructure seeks to create sustainable urban areas, renewable energy sources, and agricultural developments, while also reestablishing transportation ports that have remained dormant since the 1990s.
Central to the plan is the proposal for Hamas to transfer power to an interim governing body of political independents until a reformed Palestinian Authority assumes control. President Mahmoud Abbas, a staunch opponent of Hamas and chairman of the Palestinian Authority, was present at the summit; however, Israel has outright dismissed any involvement of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza.
El-Sissi further articulated the necessity for a parallel peace process leading to a comprehensive resolution of the Palestinian issue, stating, “There will be no true peace without the establishment of the Palestinian state.” Conversely, both Israel and the U.S. demand Hamas’ disarmament, presenting a complex political atmosphere given Hamas’s refusal to disarm until a independent Palestinian state is established.
Egypt’s plan represents a significant shift in addressing Gaza’s reconstruction and the Palestinian cause, contrasting sharply with Trump’s controversial proposal. While Arab leaders show solidarity in supporting Egypt’s initiative, major obstacles remain, particularly regarding Israeli demands and Hamas’s compliance. The commitment to rebuilding and restoring rights to the Palestinian people highlights international efforts to foster stability in the region amidst prolonged conflict.
Original Source: globalnews.ca
