U.S. Disavows Egypt’s Gaza Reconstruction Plan, Favors Trump’s Vision
The U.S. has rejected Egypt’s Gaza reconstruction proposal, favoring President Trump’s vision for expulsion of Palestinians and removal of Hamas. The Egyptian plan outlines significant funding for restoration but rejects displacement. Israel’s continued resistance hampers ceasefire prospects, complicating the region’s recovery post-conflict.
The United States has rejected Egypt’s post-war Gaza proposal, which was supported by several Arab nations during a summit in Cairo. This decision reflects President Donald Trump’s ongoing plan for the displacement of Palestinians as part of a vision to reestablish governance in Gaza without Hamas involvement.
U.S. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes emphasized that the current proposal fails to recognize the dire living conditions in Gaza, stating, “Gaza is currently uninhabitable and residents cannot humanely live in a territory covered in debris and unexploded ordnance.” Hughes reaffirmed Trump’s objective to revitalize Gaza, expressing hopes for discussions that would foster regional peace and prosperity.
The Egyptian plan endorsed by Arab states includes a bold initiative to allocate $53 billion for the reconstruction of Gaza while transferring governance from Hamas to the Palestinian Authority (PA). An international conference for fundraising for Gaza’s reconstruction is slated to convene later this month in Cairo.
The Egyptian reconstruction strategy outlines a timeline divided into early recovery and two reconstruction phases. The initial phase is anticipated to last six months and cost $3 billion, followed by a two-year phase requiring $20 billion, and a subsequent phase extending 2.5 years with an additional $30 billion.
A salient aspect of Egypt’s plan is its ascertainment against the displacement of Palestinians, a sentiment echoed by Hamas’s supportive statement regarding the proposal. In a controversial announcement, Trump proclaimed plans for the U.S. to take control of Gaza and relocate its residents to ensure safety while development teams restore the region.
The president previously mentioned ambitions to transform Gaza into a prestigious area, akin to the “Middle East Riviera”, though he later clarified that his recommendations should not be enforced by force. During a congressional address, he mentioned ongoing efforts to secure hostages from Gaza but did not discuss the Gaza ceasefire or his broader plans for the region.
Tensions persist as Israel continues to impede the ceasefire negotiations and is reportedly organizing to resume military actions against Gaza.
In summary, the United States has dismissed Egypt’s reconstruction plan for Gaza, emphasizing Trump’s controversial vision for the region centered on removing Hamas and reorganizing Palestinian governance. With significant financial commitments outlined in the Egyptian proposal, there is a tension between its objectives of rebuilding Gaza and the prevailing humanitarian concerns. The ongoing Israeli resistance to ceasefire negotiations complicates the situation further, raising questions about the feasibility of peace and reconstruction in the area.
Original Source: thecradle.co
