Egypt’s postwar plan for Gaza seeks to rebuild the region without displacing its Palestinian population, countering Trump’s proposal. Supported by Arab leaders, the $53 billion initiative outlines efforts for infrastructure restoration and political restructuring in Gaza. Israel’s response remains contingent on Hamas’s compliance regarding hostages and disarmament, underscoring the complexities of achieving lasting peace.
Arab leaders convened on Tuesday to endorse Egypt’s postwar reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip, which aims to sustain the livelihood of its approximately 2 million Palestinian residents. This initiative serves as a counterproposal to U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial plan to redevelop Gaza without its current inhabitants. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi announced the endorsement, highlighting a significant rejection of Trump’s strategy by regional leaders.
The summit in Cairo featured key figures, including the Emir of Qatar, the UAE’s Vice President, and Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, all of whom are pivotal to any future reconstruction efforts. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres was also present. El-Sissi emphasized that the Egyptian plan seeks to ensure the rights of Palestinians to rebuild their nation and maintain their presence on their land.
In relation to recent events, Israel is reportedly in support of an alternative U.S. proposal addressing the ceasefire and the hostage situation stemming from Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023. However, Israel’s blockade of essential supplies to Gaza in an attempt to compel Hamas to comply with the new proposal has garnered widespread condemnation, with human rights organizations asserting that this constitutes a violation of international obligations.
The Egyptian initiative entails a comprehensive $53 billion plan aimed at reconstructing Gaza by 2030, avoiding the displacement of its inhabitants. Initial efforts will focus on clearing debris and unexploded ordnance, with plans to hold an international conference in cooperation with the United Nations to facilitate funding through a World Bank-managed trust.
The plan includes the establishment of temporary housing for displaced residents during the reconstruction phase and envisions utilizing recycled rubble for land expansion along the Mediterranean coast. Long-term proposals feature sustainable living spaces, revitalized agricultural land, and the creation of industrial zones and park areas, with ambitions to implement new transport infrastructures, including an airport and maritime ports.
Key political dynamics may shift under this plan, as it proposes for Hamas to transfer authority to an interim administration before reinstating a reformed Palestinian Authority. However, Israel has dismissed any role for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza’s governance and insists on Hamas’s disarmament, while Hamas has indicated a conditional willingness to relinquish power without disarming.
El-Sissi iterated the necessity for a viable peace process to achieve a lasting settlement for Palestinians, stating, “There will be no true peace without the establishment of the Palestinian state.” He called for serious political action aligned with international legitimacy to address the Palestinian situation comprehensively.
Recent proposals by President Trump, which included relocating Gaza’s population, sparked outrage and were categorically dismissed by Arab nations, including Jordan and Egypt, who maintain that they will not accept any analogous resettlement of Palestinian refugees. At the same time, humanitarian efforts continue, with Jordan facilitating medical support for children from Gaza.
The conflict escalated following Hamas’s assault on October 7, which led to extensive casualties on both sides. The ongoing offensive has resulted in a staggering number of Palestinian deaths, severely impacting healthcare and infrastructure, leading to significant displacement within Gaza, where many live in dire conditions.
In conclusion, Egypt’s postwar plan has garnered significant regional support as a countermeasure to Trump’s controversial proposal for Gaza. This initiative underscores a collective Arab rejection of displacement strategies, emphasizing the need for sustainable rebuilding and lasting peace. Moving forward, the success of this plan hinges on international cooperation and the resolution of ongoing political tensions involving Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.
Original Source: globalnews.ca
