Arab Leaders Support Egypt’s Gaza Reconstruction Plan Amid U.S. Opposition
Arab leaders have endorsed Egypt’s postwar plan for Gaza, allowing Palestinians to stay in their homeland, contrasting with President Trump’s plan. Egyptian President el-Sissi seeks collaboration to ensure peace and stability. The plan includes rebuilding efforts by 2030, but it faces dismissal from the U.S. and Israel, who prefer alternative proposals. Humanitarian concerns continue amidst severe conditions in Gaza due to the ongoing conflict.
On Tuesday, Arab leaders formally backed Egypt’s reconstruction proposal for the Gaza Strip, which intends to allow its two million residents to remain in their homeland. This response serves as a counter to U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiative, which purportedly aims to depopulate the area and transform it into a resort destination. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi praised the Arab consensus, expressing hope for collaboration with both Trump and the international community to establish lasting peace in the region.
In reaction to the Egyptian initiative, White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes dismissed it as impractical, emphasizing that the current conditions render Gaza uninhabitable. He reiterated President Trump’s vision for a reconstructed Gaza that would be free from Hamas influence. Israel’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Oren Marmorstein, criticized the Egyptian plan for lacking a realistic approach and failing to address the violence stemming from Hamas’ actions on October 7, 2023.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty condemned Israel’s rejection of the reconstruction plan, asserting that peace is unattainable without a recognized Palestinian state. He criticized Israel for its persistent violation of international laws and stressed the necessity for reinforced global governance in the region. Hamas welcomed the summit’s outcomes, reflecting a renewed Arab solidarity towards the Palestinian issue.
As diplomatic tensions continue, Israel has proposed an alternative plan focusing on ceasefire negotiations and hostage release without committing to releasing Palestinian prisoners. The humanitarian plight in Gaza intensifies as Israel restricts supplies entering the territory while pressuring Hamas regarding its hostages. Human rights organizations have denounced this blockade as violation of Israel’s obligations under international law.
Egypt’s postwar reconstruction scheme envisions rebuilding Gaza by 2030 without displacing its inhabitants. The plan emphasizes removing unexploded ordnance and debris while establishing temporary housing. The Arab League, acknowledging the initiative, has called for U.N. peacekeeping forces in the region and expressed support for Egypt’s strategic reconstruction plan.
The reconstruction plan outlines significant developments, including a sustainable urban infrastructure, agricultural rejuvenation, and new transportation hubs, which aim to reshape Gaza’s landscape. Hamas is expected to transfer authority to an interim administration until a new Palestinian Authority can take control. Despite these developments, Israel has opposed any involvement of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza’s governance.
Trump’s prior statement advocating for the resettlement of Gaza’s population has faced robust criticism and resistance from Palestinian leaders and Arab nations, along with concerns about its legal implications. The ongoing conflict, which escalated following the attack by Hamas on October 7, has already caused immense humanitarian crises, with thousands of lives lost and infrastructure devastated.
As efforts for peace and reconstruction progress, the situation remains tenuous, with the Palestinian people enduring repeated cycles of violence and displacement as they strive for self-determination.
The endorsement of Egypt’s reconstruction plan by Arab leaders marks a significant counter to President Trump’s controversial proposal for Gaza. While Egypt’s initiative aims to rebuild Gaza and retain its population, reactions from the United States and Israel indicate a continuing divide over the future of the territory. As humanitarian crises abound, international dialogue remains critical for establishing lasting peace and addressing the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people amidst the ongoing conflict.
Original Source: www.washingtonpost.com
