Arab leaders have endorsed Egypt’s plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, aimed at retaining its population, thus countering Trump’s proposal for depopulation. Egyptian President el-Sissi emphasized collaboration for a sustainable resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The U.S. and Israel have rejected the plan as impractical, citing current uninhabitable conditions. Amid widespread humanitarian crisis, the plan envisions substantial urban and infrastructural improvements by 2030, aimed at restoring Gaza’s economy and community.
On Tuesday, Arab leaders officially endorsed a reconstruction plan for Gaza proposed by Egypt, which aims to maintain the population of approximately 2 million Palestinians. This proposal serves as a countermeasure to U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial plan that suggested depopulating Gaza to develop it into a beach resort. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi expressed gratitude for the Arab consensus on maintaining Palestinian residency and emphasized the importance of a sustainable solution to the Palestinian issue.
In a post-summit statement, President el-Sissi indicated his intent to collaborate with President Trump and other nations to establish a comprehensive resolution that addresses the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and facilitates the establishment of a Palestinian state. However, his initiative received immediate critique from U.S. officials, with White House National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes deeming the reconstruction proposal as impractical, citing the uninhabitable conditions in Gaza as a significant barrier to success.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Oren Marmorstein, echoed these sentiments, arguing that the Egyptian plan disregards crucial realities, particularly referencing the attacks that precipitated the recent escalation. He reiterated Israel’s stance on Trump’s proposal for resettlement and highlighted their view that such plans would provide Gazans with greater autonomy. In response, Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, condemned Israel’s rejection, asserting that sustainable peace is unattainable without recognizing Palestinian statehood under United Nations resolutions.
Hamas welcomed the outcomes of the summit, perceiving them as a sign of renewed commitment among Arab leaders to the Palestinian plight, especially against the backdrop of proposed Palestinian displacement. Concurrently, Israel signaled support for an alternative U.S. proposal involving hostage negotiations, complicated by humanitarian crises in Gaza as a result of a blockade withholding essential supplies.
Egypt’s plan envisions rebuilding Gaza by 2030 while ensuring the current population remains, initiating efforts to remove unexploded ordnance and debris left from conflict. Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit advocated for international peacekeeping forces in Gaza, suggesting that the inclusion of such measures reflects a strategic commitment to peace as a priority for Arab nations.
The reconstruction strategy anticipates the establishment of temporary housing for residents, infrastructural improvements, and the creation of eco-friendly urban areas and ports, seeking to revitalize Gaza’s economy. While the Palestinian Authority is expected to regain some control over Gaza, Israel and the U.S. maintain resistance toward any enlargement of Palestinian governance in the territory, reflecting deep-seated tensions around the region’s political landscape.
The backdrop of the ongoing humanitarian crisis has been exacerbated by Israel’s military offensive, recent casualties, and significant displacement of civilians. The conflict not only underscores the urgency of addressing immediate humanitarian needs but also the importance of pursuing a lasting political solution to prevent further cycles of violence.
The endorsement of Egypt’s plan to rebuild Gaza represents a significant diplomatic stance by Arab leaders, aiming to stabilize the region by preserving the Palestinian population. This proposal counters U.S. and Israeli preferences for displacement, emphasizing the need for a sustainable and inclusive political solution. Ongoing critiques from U.S. and Israeli officials reflect tensions inherent in proposed solutions, while the humanitarian crisis necessitates urgent action. The forthcoming implementation of reconstruction plans may establish a new geopolitical dynamic but also face challenges given the complexity of regional politics.
Original Source: www.washingtonpost.com
