Arab Leaders Back Egypt’s Plan for Gaza Reconstruction Over Trump’s Proposal
Arab leaders have endorsed Egypt’s plan to rebuild Gaza while allowing its population to remain, presenting an alternative to Trump’s controversial proposal to depopulate the territory. The plan aims for reconstruction by 2030, prompting mixed reactions from Israel and the U.S., with Hamas welcoming the initiative as a step forward in Palestinian advocacy.
Arab leaders convened in Cairo to endorse Egypt’s proposal for the reconstruction of Gaza, directly opposing U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan, which seeks to depopulate the territory and transform it into a leisure destination. The Arab leaders expressed their support for retaining the approximately 2 million Palestinians within Gaza as Israel and the U.S. dismissed the plan. President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi praised the Arab consensus on this reconstruction initiative.
El-Sissi highlighted the plan’s intent to enable Palestinians to remain in their homeland without forced relocation. He expressed eagerness to collaborate with Trump and the international community to achieve a lasting resolution to the Palestinian issue, fostering regional security and stability while establishing a Palestinian state.
The response from the U.S. administration was critical, with National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes labeling the Egyptian plan as impractical due to the current unsanitary conditions in Gaza. Israel’s foreign ministry echoed these sentiments, contending that the plan fails to address the realities on the ground and neglects to recognize the violence instigated by Hamas.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty condemned Israel’s rejection of the plan, asserting that peace is unachievable without recognizing Palestinian statehood through adherence to initial United Nations resolutions. He maintained that Israel’s stance amounts to a violation of international law.
Hamas welcomed the Arab leaders’ endorsement, interpreting it as a commitment to the Palestinian cause and a unified refusal to displace Palestinians from occupied territories. Concurrently, Israel proposed an alternative ceasefire plan, leveraging Hamas’ release of hostages as a bargaining chip, while restricting essential supplies to Gaza in an effort to pressure the group.
Egypt’s reconstruction blueprint foresees significant infrastructural developments by 2030, including the removal of debris from recent conflicts and creating temporary housing for displaced residents. The plan aims to establish a sustainable urban landscape with new transport and industrial facilities, while proposing an interim governance structure to oversee the transition from Hamas to a reformed Palestinian Authority.
While Israel maintains it will not entertain any Palestinian authority role in Gaza, political dynamics suggest possible shifts, particularly post-reconstruction. The broader geopolitical implications stem from Trump’s controversial suggestion to resettle Gaza’s population elsewhere, a proposal faced with overwhelming regional opposition for its legality and effectiveness.
The endorsement of Egypt’s Gaza reconstruction plan by Arab leaders signifies a unified stance against the proposed U.S. initiative for the territory. This comprehensive strategy emphasizes the importance of allowing the current Palestinian population to remain and thrive within their homeland. However, challenges persist as both Israel and the U.S. dismiss the plan, pointing towards an ongoing stalemate in resolving the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict amidst a deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
