British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and European counterparts support a $53 billion Egyptian plan for Gaza’s reconstruction, aimed at preventing displacement of Palestinians. The plan has been dismissed by Israel and the US. Key components include establishing an administrative committee for governance and rejecting displacement initiatives as ethnic cleansing. Ceasefire negotiations remain uncertain amid ongoing tensions.
The recent initiative for reconstructing Gaza, amounting to $53 billion, has garnered support from British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and fellow foreign ministers from France, Germany, and Italy. This Arab-backed plan, formulated by Egypt, aims to rebuild Gaza without displacing its Palestinian inhabitants, although it has faced rejection from Israel and the United States.
In a formal statement, the European foreign ministers expressed their endorsement, declaring the plan offers a feasible solution for reconstructing Gaza and suggests the potential for significant improvements in living conditions for Palestinians if enacted. They emphasized a commitment to collaborating with the Arab initiative and recognized the importance of its development by Arab states.
Key elements of the proposal include the establishment of an administrative committee comprising professional Palestinian technocrats. This committee would oversee humanitarian relief and manage Gaza’s affairs temporarily, under the Palestinian Authority’s supervision. The ministers also conveyed the necessity for Hamas to cease its governance in Gaza and to ensure it no longer poses a threat to Israel, thus supporting the Palestinian Authority’s pivotal role and reform agenda.
Islamic foreign ministers convening in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, concurrently disavowed President Trump’s suggestions regarding the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, choosing to support the Egyptian reconstruction plan instead. They categorically rejected any initiatives perceived as ethnic cleansing, deeming them severe breaches of international law and crimes against humanity.
The ongoing ceasefire, entering its seventh week, was initiated to pause Israeli military actions aimed at eliminating Hamas following its aggressive actions on October 7. The initial phase of this ceasefire saw significant exchanges of hostages, but uncertainties now cloud the second phase, which is supposed to facilitate the release of remaining hostages, a lasting peace agreement, and a comprehensive withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
In summary, the support from European foreign ministers for the Egyptian plan signifies a significant international endorsement for the reconstruction of Gaza, aiming to improve the humanitarian situation for its residents. The rejection of displacement plans underscores the commitment to uphold the rights of the Palestinian people. The outcome now hinges on continued diplomatic efforts and the successful implementation of agreed-upon frameworks for peace and governance in the region.
Original Source: news.sky.com
