At an extraordinary Arab League summit, leaders endorsed Egypt’s $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza. The initiative aims to address extensive damage from the conflict and includes housing and infrastructure developments over five years. Support from international entities, including the UN and EU, highlights regional collaboration for improving conditions in Gaza amidst ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Arab leaders have endorsed a comprehensive Egyptian reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip following a recent extraordinary summit of the Arab League in Cairo. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi emphasized the critical need for peace, stating, “There will be no real peace without establishing a Palestinian state” while noting that peace cannot be imposed by force. The proposed plan, costing $53 billion, aims to facilitate the reconstruction of Gaza over five years.
The first phase of the plan includes a six-month recovery initiative costing around $3 billion, focusing on removing debris and providing temporary housing. Following this, the plan aims to construct 200,000 housing units within two years, with an additional 200,000 in the subsequent phase. Ultimately, the plan envisions hundreds of thousands of homes by 2030, alongside infrastructure developments such as an airport, industrial zones, and recreational parks.
President Sissi has called for international support for the Egyptian reconstruction efforts and has received endorsements from both the United Nations and the European Union. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated, “The UN stands ready to fully cooperate in this endeavor,” while EU Council President Antonio Costa described the plan as offering hope to millions of Palestinians affected by recent conflict.
The Palestinian Authority, under President Mahmoud Abbas, has expressed readiness to be involved in the reconstruction process. Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with nearly 70% of structures reported as damaged or destroyed. Hamas, despite being a controversial entity, has welcomed the reconstruction plan and expresses hope for an Arab role that alleviates humanitarian suffering in Gaza.
The emergency summit was convened partly in response to controversial US proposals regarding the redevelopment of Gaza. President Sissi remarked on the importance of finding peace, referencing President Trump’s role in addressing the Palestinian issue. The reconstruction plan emphasizes the necessity for cooperative engagement among Arab nations and international stakeholders for its success.
In conclusion, the Egyptian $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza is gaining significant regional and international support, aiming to restore the war-torn area and establish peace. While the successful implementation of this plan depends on collaboration among various entities, the urgent need for humanitarian relief and development in Gaza remains paramount. The support from Arab leaders, the UN, and the EU reflects a collective commitment to addressing the plight of Palestinians in the region.
Original Source: www.dw.com
