At an Arab League summit in Cairo, leaders endorsed an Egyptian plan to rebuild Gaza at a cost of $53 billion. The initiative includes an initial recovery phase and aims for significant housing development by 2030. Support from the UN, EU, and regional leaders underscores the plan’s importance. Financing from Gulf states is essential to its success.
Leaders at a recent Arab League summit in Cairo have unanimously approved an Egyptian initiative to rebuild Gaza, with the estimated cost reaching $53 billion. This comprehensive plan, as outlined in a 112-page document, focuses initially on a six-month recovery phase, which includes debris clearance and the establishment of temporary housing, anticipated to cost around $3 billion.
The subsequent primary phase aims to construct 200,000 housing units within the next two years, followed by the development of another 200,000 units. Looking ahead to 2030, the plan envisions accommodating up to 3 million residents through hundreds of thousands of new homes, an airport, industrial areas, hotels, and parks.
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi emphasized the establishment of an independent Palestinian entity to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza, supported by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who has indicated readiness for involvement. Sisi urged the international community for support of this initiative, which has garnered backing from the United Nations and the European Union.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed strong endorsement for the Arab-led plan, noting that “the UN is prepared to cooperate in this effort fully.” Additionally, EU Council President Antonio Costa remarked that the proposals bring hope to millions of Palestinians affected by prolonged suffering in Gaza and surrounding regions.
Support was also echoed by Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation to reinforce ties and protect national interests. The summit also featured Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who condemned prior proposals as unacceptable.
For effective reconstruction financing, substantial involvement from wealthy Gulf states, notably the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, is essential. Both nations have not supported Hamas, the governing entity in the region. Following full access for inspectors, it is expected that the full extent of the devastation will be assessed, noting that the UN estimates around 70% of buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, affecting more than 245,000 homes.
In conclusion, the Arab League summit in Cairo marked a significant step towards the reconstruction of Gaza, with Egypt’s $53 billion plan receiving broad support from various international leaders. The initiative aims to not only restore infrastructure but also enhance the living conditions for millions. For successful implementation, collaboration with Gulf states will be crucial, alongside international community support.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
