Arab leaders in Cairo endorsed Egypt’s $53 billion plan for Gaza’s reconstruction, opposing Trump’s proposal to displace its 2 million residents and transform the area into a touristic resort. The plan aims for completion by 2030 while maintaining Palestinian residency and focusing on rehabilitation without reallocation. The response includes mixed reactions from Israel and the U.S., emphasizing the ongoing complexities in achieving lasting peace and stability.
Arab leaders convened in Cairo and approved Egypt’s reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip, which aims to allow the 2 million Palestinians residing there to remain, directly opposing U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to depopulate the region and convert it into an attractive beach destination. The $53 billion initiative received the support of various Arab nations, which expressed their commitment to ensuring that Palestinians would not be displaced amid reconstruction efforts. While Hamas welcomed the endorsement, Israel dismissed the plan as ineffective and lacking acknowledgment of the recent terrorist attacks.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi emphasized the importance of collaboration among Arab countries to support Gaza’s reconstruction without displacing its population. He expressed openness to international proposals that align with a broader peace plan and reaffirmed the necessity of a just settlement for the Palestinian issue. El-Sissi’s administration looks to engage with President Trump and the global community to foster security and stability in the region while supporting Palestinian statehood.
The White House responded to the summit, acknowledging input from Arab nations but reiterated its stance that Hamas must relinquish control over Gaza. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes remarked that although President Trump remains committed to his vision for Gaza, he appreciates regional input aimed at preventing further escalation and ensuring peace.
Conversely, Israel’s foreign ministry stated that the Egyptian plan does not appropriately address current realities, highlighting its failure to condemn Hamas for the attacks that initiated the conflict. Israel continues to advocate for Trump’s proposal, which involves resettling the population elsewhere, presenting it as a choice endowed with free will. Hamas, however, expressed gratitude for Arab leaders’ rejection of displacement strategies, viewing the summit’s outcomes as a shift towards stronger solidarity with Palestinian interests.
The Egyptian postwar plan outlines a comprehensive rebuilding effort aimed for completion by 2030, without the removal of Gaza’s existing population. The initial phase involves clearing extensive rubble and unexploded ordnance created by military engagement. Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit stated that the summit communique encourages the deployment of an international peacekeeping force in Gaza and aims to establish a framework for security and political stability in the region.
The reconstruction plan, which is underpinned by an international conference in Egypt in collaboration with the United Nations, seeks to create temporary housing units while the rebuilding process is underway. Additionally, the proposal outlines the construction of sustainable urban environments, energy-efficient infrastructures, and essential facilities such as transportation ports. Furthermore, Hamas is expected to transition control to an interim administration until the Palestinian Authority can legitimately govern.
Israel remains firm in its opposition to any Palestinian governance over Gaza and insists on disarming Hamas. Although Hamas has expressed willingness to concede authority, it will not surrender its weaponry until a Palestinian state is realized. Israel aims to maintain its control over the territories captured during the 1967 conflict, diverting attention from proposed statehood for Palestinians. In a controversial statement, President Trump previously suggested resettling Gazans in other countries and transforming the region into an upscale tourist destination, a notion that provoked widespread condemnation from Palestinians and neighboring nations who view it as infringing on their rights.
The recent violence, ignited by Hamas’s attack on Israel, has resulted in significant casualties and destruction, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting over 48,000 fatalities, largely comprising non-combatants. The Israeli offensives have led to severe humanitarian consequences, displacing approximately 90% of Gaza’s population. Many civilians now inhabit overcrowded temporary shelters, highlighting the dire need for effective rehabilitation and support.
The endorsement of Egypt’s reconstruction plan by Arab leaders signals a unified stance against Trump’s controversial proposal to evacuate Gaza’s population. While Egypt aims to restore stability without displacing Palestinians, Israel continues to support the U.S. plan for resettlement and disarmament of Hamas. The situation remains complex, as international responses evolve amid ongoing humanitarian crises and calls for peace. Future cooperation among global stakeholders will be essential to address both the immediate and long-term challenges in the region.
Original Source: www.mankatofreepress.com
