Egypt is developing plans to address Gaza’s post-war situation while opposing President Trump’s proposals for Palestinian displacement. Leaders from Arab nations are meeting to reject these displacement plans and support alternatives rooted in localized reconstruction efforts and Palestinian rights. Egypt’s strategy includes political reforms and humanitarian recovery, uniting international stakeholder support for a sustainable future in Gaza.
CAIRO — Egypt is developing plans for a regional resolution to the aftermath of the destructive conflict in Gaza, opposing President Donald Trump’s proposal to displace Palestinians permanently to neighboring states. Egypt, which has borders with both Gaza and Israel, sees any mass movement of Palestinians into its territory as unacceptable.
Leaders from Arab League nations are convening in Cairo to collectively reject displacement proposals and discuss alternatives driven by Egypt, with support from influential nations like Saudi Arabia. However, this meeting occurs amid a fragile ceasefire, which is at risk of breaking down, jeopardizing Egypt’s reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
Currently, Israel is obstructing humanitarian aid from entering Gaza, as its far-right government aims to pressure Hamas into a new ceasefire arrangement to release Israeli hostages, without fully committing to end hostilities as demanded by Hamas. While Egyptian mediators work to uphold the ceasefire, they will simultaneously host summit discussions to garner support for a vision regarding Gaza’s reconstruction.
Abdel-Moneim Said Aly, head of the advisory board at the Regional Center for Security Studies in Cairo, stated, “We need to have a plan of our own, not waiting for Mr. Trump to do it.” Diplomatic sources indicate that Egypt is under consideration for plans designed to allow Palestinians to remain in Gaza while laying the groundwork for lasting peace.
The Egyptian plan aims to address the immense devastation in Gaza, caused by approximately 16 months of warfare and Israeli bombardment, resulting in significant casualties and destruction of homes and infrastructure. Reports indicate at least 48,000 Palestinian fatalities, with the United Nations noting that over 90% of homes in Gaza are damaged or demolished.
Egypt’s proposed time-bound, phased plan involves providing mobile homes for displaced Palestinians as reconstruction occurs and includes discussions with various stakeholders regarding reconstruction efforts using solar power and debris repurposing. Eschewing Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, discussions also include forming a temporary Palestinian administration of technocrats to oversee recovery efforts.
This proposed administration is seen as a potential transitional phase leading to a renewed and independent Palestinian Authority. Recovery plans also conjoin political reforms to attract international support from nations such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which oppose Hamas, while estimates for reconstruction costs range from $50 billion to $80 billion, depending on a sustainable ceasefire.
The plans draw parallels with initiatives like the Marshall Plan post-World War II. Egyptian experts emphasize the necessity of addressing the immediate humanitarian crisis while aiming for a broader peace framework. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgency of maintaining ceasefire conditions and ensuring humanitarian aid reaches Gaza’s population.
In summary, Egypt’s plans for Gaza emphasize the necessity of maintaining Palestinian presence and rebuilding efforts following the devastating conflict. By seeking regional support and engaging in constructive dialogues, Egypt aims to craft a viable solution that addresses humanitarian needs and fosters a peaceful resolution. Egyptian leadership firmly opposes the expulsion of Palestinians and advocates for their rights, reaffirming that a cooperative regional approach is essential for enduring peace.
Original Source: www.wunc.org
