Egypt’s Comprehensive Reconstruction Strategy for Gaza: A Response…

An Arab League Summit in Cairo adopted a $53-billion Egyptian reconstruction plan for Gaza, contingent on Israel adhering to a ceasefire. The Cairo Declaration builds on the Bahrain Declaration, advocating for a unified Palestinian governance structure, while opposing Israeli settlement expansion. Despite critiques from Israel and the US regarding Hamas’ mention, the plan aims to address Palestinian concerns, proposing a two-state solution as part of a comprehensive peace strategy.

On March 4, during an Emergency Summit of the Arab League held in Cairo, a $53-billion Egyptian initiative for Gaza’s reconstruction was adopted as a “comprehensive Arab strategy.” This decision followed Israel’s suspension of humanitarian aid to Gaza, impacting the already devastated enclave after the first phase of the Israel-Hamas Agreement. The Cairo Declaration represents the first collective Arab response for Gaza’s future, contingent upon Israel’s adherence to the ceasefire agreement.

The Cairo Declaration builds upon the prior Bahrain Declaration from the last Arab League Summit, underscoring the need for a “Gaza administration committee” composed of qualified Gazans during a transitional phase. Moreover, it proposes the establishment of a financial resource, a “trust fund,” for recovery and reconstruction, leveraging studies from the World Bank and the UN Development Fund. The proposal includes calls for UN peacekeeping forces in Gaza and the West Bank as previously endorsed by Israel as of March 2024.

In alignment with the consistent Arab League stance, the proposal affirms support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It reiterates that Arab acceptance of Israeli sovereignty hinges upon the establishment of a Palestinian state, compliant with international law, within the borders prior to the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Additionally, it expresses the necessity for unifying all Palestinian factions under the Palestine Liberation Organization, which currently does not include Hamas.

Notably, the Cairo Declaration refrains from mentioning Hamas or insisting on its removal, thus allowing the group to persist temporarily. Israel and the US have criticized this oversight. The proposed interim governance aims to facilitate a restoration of the Palestinian Authority’s control over Gaza and the West Bank, leading to unified governance and the possibility of legislative elections. Hamas has welcomed the Declaration, viewing it favorably due to the commitment to conduct fresh elections.

The Declaration staunchly opposes the “ethnic cleansing” of Palestinians and emphasizes Jordan and Egypt’s vital roles in preventing displacement, countering President Trump’s suggestion for Egypt and Jordan to house displaced Gazans. Additionally, it strongly demands Israel’s total withdrawal from Gaza, a significant criterion for maintaining ceasefire stability and progressing toward Gaza’s rehabilitation.

For a sustainable peace process in Palestine, it will be essential first to halt all Israeli military actions, followed by the acceptance of a reconstruction and interim governance plan by all relevant parties, including Hamas and Israel. The Cairo Declaration serves as a preliminary framework for impending events that have yet to unfold, presenting two competing visions for Gaza’s reconstruction: the Arab states and Palestinian interests versus those of Israel and the US.

Despite the ambition behind the Cairo Declaration, successful implementation will hinge on cooperation from Israel, which demands Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to compromise on his stance regarding Hamas. Although reasserting a commitment to a two-state solution, the practicality of such an initiative appears grim against the backdrop of expanding Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The International community, including the UN, has expressed concern that such settlement expansions undermine the feasibility of a viable Palestinian state. Hence, if these settlements continue, the two-state solution remains an unrealistic goal.

The Cairo Declaration introduced a substantial Egyptian plan focused on the reconstruction of Gaza, marking a pivotal moment in Arab policymaking following Israel’s aid suspension. This initiative emphasizes Palestinian unity and governance while rejecting ethnic cleansing and Israeli settlement expansion. However, the plan’s success relies heavily on achieving Israeli cooperation and addressing the political divides in Palestinian leadership. The stark contrast between the Cairo initiative and the reactive approach of previous US proposals illustrates the evolving landscape of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and underscores the need for inclusive dialogue and sustained commitments from all parties involved.

Original Source: indianexpress.com