Arab leaders approved Egypt’s $53 billion plan to reconstruct Gaza, avoiding Palestinian displacement, in a summit contrasting Trump’s ‘Gaza Riviera.’ The proposal emphasizes local governance and requires financial backing from Gulf states while addressing Hamas’s role. President Abbas expressed support for the initiative, highlighting the PA’s governance legitimacy and readiness for elections.
During a summit held in Cairo, Arab states endorsed an Egyptian reconstruction proposal for Gaza, amounting to $53 billion, which focuses on development without resettlement of Palestinians. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi announced that this plan represents a significant departure from President Donald Trump’s envisioned ‘Middle East Riviera.’ Sisi expressed confidence that peace could be achieved in the region, stressing collaboration with Palestinians in establishing governance structures for Gaza.
Key issues surrounding Gaza’s future involve administrative control, funding for reconstruction, and the status of Hamas, which initiated conflict by attacking Israel on October 7, 2023. Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the Egyptian proposal, emphasizing that it should ensure no displacement of residents. Abbas also indicated readiness to hold elections, underscoring the PA’s role as the legitimate governing authority in Palestinian territories.
The reconstruction effort is heavily reliant on financing from wealthy Gulf states such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, both of which possess significant resources. The UAE perceives Hamas as a major threat and advocates for its full disarmament, while differing perspectives exist among Arab nations regarding the pace and terms of Hamas’s disarmament, which poses challenges to reconstruction efforts. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan emphasized the necessity of international guarantees for a ceasefire to remain effective while supporting PA governance in Gaza.
Hamas, formed by Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, has resisted disarmament requests from Israel and the United States. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri asserted that the group would not yield its right to resist and would reject any foreign administration or oversight in Gaza. Since seizing control of Gaza in 2007, Hamas has systematically eliminated opposition, consolidating its power in the region.
Egypt, Jordan, and Gulf Arab states have reached a consensus against the proposed mass displacement of Palestinians, which they fear could exacerbate regional instability. The detailed Egyptian reconstruction plan also features development initiatives such as a commercial harbor, technology hub, and other infrastructural improvements intended to foster growth in Gaza. An Israeli official indicated potential acceptance of an Arab-led administration in Gaza, contingent on the demilitarization of Hamas, as Israel continues to aim for the incapacitation of Hamas’s military capabilities.
In conclusion, Arab states have adopted a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza focused on Palestinian resilience without resettlement, signaling a unified approach to regional stability. With significant funding from Gulf nations essential for implementation, critical discussions surrounding governance and disarmament of Hamas remain pivotal. The Egyptian initiative aims to ensure humanitarian oversight while fostering long-term development in the devastated enclave, reflecting a departure from previous U.S. proposals.
Original Source: www.cbc.ca
