The article discusses the rejection of an Egyptian reconstruction plan for Gaza by President Trump, detailing the plan’s phases and costs, which include significant housing construction and infrastructure improvements. It underscores the necessity of Arab diplomatic pressure to reassess the U.S. stance, amid uncertainties regarding Arab financial commitments and the political dynamics involving Hamas, which poses further challenges to the plan’s implementation.
In the wake of President Donald Trump’s rejection of an Egyptian-led reconstruction plan for Gaza, significant obstacles emerge for Egypt’s proposals. The plan, developed in collaboration with various Arab nations during a Cairo summit, outlines a comprehensive five-year approach to rebuild the war-torn Gaza Strip without displacing its citizens. Key elements include an initial recovery phase costing $3 billion, followed by further developments aimed at constructing new housing and infrastructure, ultimately accommodating Gaza’s anticipated population growth by 2030.
The Egyptian reconstruction initiative entails a three-phase execution, initiating with a six-month recovery period, where temporary shelters will support the displaced. This will be succeeded by a two-year effort to build approximately 200,000 housing units for around $20 billion and a final 2.5-year phase for an additional 200,000 housing units at $30 billion. Other infrastructure components, such as ports and airports, are also featured in the plan. However, the absence of U.S. approval complicates its implementation.
U.S. National Security Council Representative Brian Hughes articulated the administration’s concern, stating that the proposal “does not address the reality that Gaza is currently uninhabitable.” Analysts suggest that Arab nations must exert diplomatic pressure on the U.S. to influence a change in stance regarding the plan. Former Egyptian UN ambassador Moataz Ahmadin emphasized that the success of the initiative is contingent upon Arab nations leveraging their economic influence while coordinating with international partners, particularly Europe.
Despite broad consensus among Arab states on the reconstruction plan, uncertainty persists regarding their financial commitment. Marginal disagreements among some Arab nations resulted in low attendance at the summit, raising concerns about their willingness to support the plan financially. Egypt is expected to organize a fundraising conference next month to secure the $53 billion needed for the reconstruction efforts.
Moreover, the proposed governance structure for Gaza highlights a committee of independent Palestinian technocrats managing public affairs until the Palestinian Authority extends control over Gaza, which introduces potential tensions with Hamas. Although Hamas has indicated it will not abandon its defenses, some officials signal a willingness to relinquish administrative control. Notably, Hamas retains significant military influence that poses a hurdle to the execution of the Egyptian reconstruction plan, as U.S. officials reaffirmed a commitment to a Hamas-free Gaza.
With the prospects of reconstruction now more precarious, the Egyptian plan faces not only the challenges of garnering support but also the prevailing realities on the ground, primarily the political dynamics with Hamas, which could thwart reconciliation and developmental initiatives in Gaza.
In conclusion, the rejection of the Egyptian reconstruction plan by the U.S. introduces significant challenges that necessitate robust diplomatic efforts from Arab nations. With financial commitments from key stakeholders still uncertain and the influence of Hamas complicating governance and security discussions, the pathway to rebuilding Gaza remains fraught with complexities. Effective collaboration among Arab states and their allies is essential to appropriately address these impediments and establish a sustainable future for Gaza.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
