Arab Leaders Support Egypt’s Gaza Reconstruction Plan, Reject Trump’s Proposal

At a recent summit in Cairo, Arab leaders backed Egypt’s postwar reconstruction plan for Gaza, countering Trump’s controversial proposal for the territory. The $53 billion plan aims to support Gaza’s 2 million residents by enabling their continued habitation while rejecting displacement. Egypt’s President expressed optimism for collaboration towards a sustainable resolution to the Palestinian issue, amid varied responses from international actors.

Arab leaders have endorsed Egypt’s reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip, which seeks to facilitate the habitation of approximately 2 million Palestinians. This endorsement was articulated during a recent summit in Cairo and serves as a counter to U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial initiative which proposed the resettlement of the territory’s population. This $53 billion plan signals a collective Arab opposition to Trump’s vision, which has been criticized by various stakeholders.

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi expressed gratitude for the Arab consensus supporting the reconstruction strategy. He emphasized that it allows the Palestinian people to remain on their land without the threat of displacement. Following the summit, he highlighted the importance of collaborating with regional and global actors to establish a just resolution to the Palestinian issue, which he considers vital for regional stability.

Initial responses from the White House acknowledged the input from Arab nations but maintained that Hamas cannot govern Gaza. Furthermore, they reiterated President Trump’s commitment to his vision for post-war Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel’s foreign ministry dismissed Egypt’s plan as disconnected from current realities, asserting that it fails to admonish Hamas for the aggressive actions that preceded the ongoing conflict.

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit noted that the summit communicated a desire for peace, advocating for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in line with United Nations resolutions. The communique resulted in a call for the United Nations Security Council to deploy an international peacekeeping force, recognizing that peace is central to Arab interests and that Egypt’s plan is a proposed pathway forward.

Egypt’s reconstruction plan includes the removal of dangerous remnants of war and rebuilding efforts that will be completed by 2030. It outlines the immediate need for clearing debris from extensive military operations, alongside broader plans for infrastructure, such as transportation and utilities, as well as housing. Additionally, it proposes an interim governance structure, while addressing the humanitarian crisis by offering temporary housing to those displaced by the conflict.

The discussions underscored ongoing tension around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Israel firmly opposed to regional collaboration aimed at supporting Hamas. The international community remains engaged in finding a resolution, with Egypt organizing a future conference and establishing a trust fund for reconstruction efforts. As the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip remains dire, the emphasis on rebuilding could provide a glimmer of hope for the local population.

The endorsement of Egypt’s reconstruction plan by Arab leaders marks a significant moment in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, countering controversial proposals from the Trump administration. Egypt’s commitment to support the Palestinian population without displacing them underscores a unified Arab approach towards peace and stability in the region. Nevertheless, challenges from Israel and ongoing tensions highlight the complexities of achieving a lasting resolution. The plan not only aims to address immediate needs but also envisions a sustainable future for Gaza, emphasizing collaboration among regional and international partners. Key stakeholders must navigate these dynamics while keeping the Palestinian people’s welfare at the forefront of their efforts.

Original Source: apnews.com