Arab leaders met in Cairo to endorse Egypt’s Gaza reconstruction plan, emphasizing Palestinian rights to remain in their homeland. The $53 billion initiative consists of a six-month recovery phase and two subsequent reconstruction stages. Leaders condemned efforts to displace Palestinians and articulated a vision for a lasting peace settlement involving a two-state solution, highlighted by the need for international support.
On March 4, 2023, Arab leaders gathered in Cairo for an emergency summit to support Egypt’s comprehensive plan for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the need for Palestinians to remain in their homeland. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi articulated that the proposal “preserves the right of the Palestinian people in rebuilding their homeland and guarantees their stay on their land.” The reconstruction plan, amounting to $53 billion, involves a six-month recovery phase, followed by two significant reconstruction stages extending to 2030.
Al-Sisi criticized Israel’s military actions as aimed at displacing Gazans and stressed the resilience of the Palestinian populace in reclaiming their rights. He disclosed plans for an administrative committee comprising independent Palestinian technocrats to oversee relief efforts temporarily, alongside ongoing training for Palestinian security forces, with Jordan’s assistance.
The Egyptian leader highlighted the necessity for a coordinated peace plan supported by the international community to achieve a fair resolution to the Palestinian issue. He articulated, “There will be no genuine peace without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and guarantees to preserve Israel’s security.”
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed strong endorsement of Egypt’s Gaza initiative and rejected any notion of displacement. He requested Arab leaders to facilitate the reconstruction process while fortifying the role of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza. King Abdullah of Jordan echoed similar sentiments, vehemently opposing displacements and affirming that the two-state solution remains integral to achieving peace.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres characterized the summit as a pivotal moment, urging collective responsibility to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He stressed the necessity for a clear political framework for Gaza’s recovery that addresses both security concerns and the right for Palestinians to self-govern, advocating a peaceful coexistence of Israel and Palestine as mandated by international law.
The summit underscored a unified Arab stance against U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal, which suggested relocating Gazans and transforming the region into a “Middle East Riviera.” By the conclusion, Arab leaders were expected to formally endorse the comprehensive plan put forth by Egypt for Gaza’s reconstruction.
The emergency summit in Cairo resulted in a unified endorsement of Egypt’s reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip, affirming the right of Palestinians to remain in their homeland. Arab leaders reiterated their commitment to a two-state solution and opposed any attempts at displacement. The summit highlighted the urgent need for international support to facilitate peace and recovery in the region.
Original Source: www.upi.com
