The Arab plan for Gaza reconstruction, costing $53 billion, aims to establish Palestinian Authority control while sidelining Hamas. Despite acceptance among Arab states, it has been criticized for lacking clarity on governance and funding. The proposal faces rejection from the White House and Israel, which cite the uninhabitability of Gaza as a concern. The plan involves a phased reconstruction approach, ultimately aiming to house 3 million people.
The comprehensive Arab plan, estimated to cost $53 billion, aims to reconstruct the Gaza Strip and was introduced in a recent joint UN-EU-World Bank report. Although it has garnered acceptance from Arab states, it faces criticism for not addressing crucial issues like governance, Hamas’s future, and funding mechanisms. Both the White House and Israel have expressed reservations, rejecting the proposal as it stands.
In response to the Arab plan, National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes highlighted that the current proposal fails to consider the dire conditions in Gaza, which remains largely uninhabitable. The plan, referred to as “Gaza 2030,” was presented at an urgent summit in Cairo, focusing on diminishing Hamas’s role while proposing a return of the Palestinian Authority’s governance in Gaza.
The plan calls for strengthened international cooperation, urging global financing institutions to support the reconstruction efforts, although specific financial contributors remain unspecified. Experts, such as Paul Musgrave from Georgetown University, pointedly remarked on the proposal’s lack of answers to the essential questions regarding governance and the feasibility of Hamas’s political involvement in its implementation.
Israel has criticized the initiative for being outdated, insisting that any discussions on aid are contingent upon Hamas releasing all remaining Israeli hostages. The Arab states’ summit further proposed an international conference this month in Cairo to foster collaborations for Gaza’s early recovery and reconstruction, highlighting the need for a trust fund managed by the World Bank.
The reconstruction plan comprises a three-phase strategy leading up to 2030. The initial phase involves $3 billion for rubble removal over six months, providing temporary housing for over 1.5 million displaced people. The second phase encompasses $20 billion for two years to construct housing units for 1.6 million residents, including infrastructure rebuilding. The final phase aims to spend $30 billion over two and a half years to develop essential services and housing for an additional 1.2 million individuals, aiming to accommodate a total of 3 million.
Importantly, the proposal does not stipulate a future role for Hamas but suggests a transitional administration for the first six months, operated by a committee of technocrats under the Palestinian government. The long-term goal is to reinstate the Palestinian Authority’s presence in Gaza. Arab states have also advocated for legislative elections within a year, contingent upon suitable conditions, which Hamas has tentatively welcomed as a positive step towards representing the Palestinian populace.
In summary, the Arab plan for Gaza reconstruction, while ambitious and backed by significant funding estimates, faces substantial challenges regarding governance, Hamas’s involvement, and international support. The proposal’s future hinges on overcoming these obstacles, securing donor commitments, and facilitating a cohesive political framework in Gaza. The successful implementation of such a plan will require negotiations and collaboration among multiple stakeholders, including Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and Hamas.
Original Source: www.nbcmiami.com
