Future of Gaza Reconstruction After Trump’s Rejection of Egyptian Plan
Donald Trump’s rejection of an Egyptian plan for Gaza’s reconstruction complicates efforts to rebuild the war-torn territory. The proposed plan aims to provide temporary housing, build 400,000 flats, and develop infrastructure over five years, but faces challenges in financing and Hamas’s potential resistance to governance changes. The need for Arab nations to exert diplomatic pressure on the US is critical for the plan’s future viability.
The recent rejection of an Egyptian reconstruction plan for Gaza by President Donald Trump presents significant challenges to its implementation. The plan, which was announced by Egypt and supported by Arab states at an emergency summit in Cairo, outlines steps needed for the recovery of Gaza over five years, highlighting the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The initial phase of the reconstruction plan includes a six-month recovery stage costing approximately $3 billion. This phase aims to provide temporary shelters and essential supplies for Gaza’s residents while removing around 50 million tonnes of debris. Following this, the second phase involves constructing 200,000 flats over two years at an estimated cost of $20 billion, while the third phase will build a further 200,000 flats over two and a half years, requiring an additional $30 billion.
In total, the Egyptian initiative plans to accommodate Gaza’s projected population growth until 2030, which is expected to reach 3 million. Furthermore, the reconstruction strategy proposes the development of infrastructure, including a seaport, a fishing port, and an international airport. However, Trump’s refusal to endorse the plan is a setback, as voiced by US National Security Council Spokesman Brian Hughes, who emphasized the untenable living conditions in Gaza due to debris and unexploded ordnance.
Analysts underscore the necessity for Arab countries to exert diplomatic pressure on the United States to alter its stance. Ambassador Moataz Ahmadin pointed out that Arab nations must leverage their economic influence and partnerships, particularly with Europe, indicating that significant investments are at stake. He cautioned that Trump may only reconsider his position if he acknowledges the strategic importance of Arab states.
The degree of commitment from Arab governments to fund the reconstruction has come into question, especially after tumult surrounding the emergency summit. Key leaders like the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and the President of the UAE sent representatives instead of attending, raising concerns about their financial support.
Egypt is planning to organize a financing conference next month to secure the necessary funds. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty indicated that the extended timeline for the reconstruction provides a window for potential donors to commit resources. Meanwhile, the governance of Gaza remains a contentious issue.
The proposed creation of a committee of independent Palestinian technocrats to manage Gaza’s administrative and security affairs faces potential resistance from Hamas. The organization has demonstrated intent to maintain its military presence, as it recently stated it would not disarm, with officials asserting that its weaponry is a non-negotiable aspect of their resistance strategy. The conflicting aspirations of Hamas and the Egyptian plan’s implementation add another layer of complexity to the reconstruction process, making it challenging to establish lasting peace and stability in Gaza.
In conclusion, the rejection by President Trump of Egypt’s Gaza reconstruction plan introduces significant obstacles that Arab states must navigate. The success of this initiative hinges on collective diplomatic efforts and financial commitments from the Arab world. At the same time, the internal dynamics within Gaza, particularly the role of Hamas, further complicate the scenario. Achieving a feasible reconstruction effort will necessitate consensus among regional powers and a definitive resolution regarding governance and security in Gaza.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
