The Arab League summit proposed Egypt’s $53 billion plan for Gaza, focusing on relief and reconstruction, in contrast to Trump’s controversial plan involving relocations. Egypt’s strategy received Arab endorsement, aiming to keep Palestinians in their homeland, while Trump’s approach faced criticism. UN support for Egyptian initiatives and evolving US engagement with Hamas may lead to further dialogue on Gaza’s future.
The Arab League convened a summit in Cairo on March 4, primarily to deliberate on a comprehensive plan for the future of Gaza, spearheaded by Egypt. With an estimated cost of $53 billion, this plan encompasses emergency relief, reconstruction of essential infrastructure, and long-term economic development. While the plan received endorsement during the conference, additional detailed discussions are anticipated for its subsequent phases.
On February 4, United States President Donald Trump unveiled his vision to transform the Gaza Strip into a US-operated “Riviera of the Middle East.” His proposal involved the evacuation of the population into nearby Arab nations, a notion met with astonishment and criticism. Analysts suggested that Trump’s strategy may have intended to provoke Arab nations into actively engaging with the future political landscape of Gaza.
In response to Trump’s proposal, Egypt developed an alternative plan that eschews the idea of mass relocation for Gazans. It emphasizes the establishment of “secure areas” within Gaza, where the local population could reside temporarily while reconstruction efforts led by both Egyptian and international firms take shape. These initiatives would also generate tens of thousands of jobs for residents.
During the summit, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi expressed satisfaction with the consensus among Arab nations to support the reconstruction plan, which aims to allow Palestinians to remain in their homeland. He articulated aspirations for collaboration with Trump, other Arab countries, and the international community to facilitate a comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian issue.
The Egyptian plan consists of three developmental phases over five years. The first phase, an initial recovery period, aims to develop safe zones and accommodate 1.5 million displaced Gazans in prefabricated housing units. The second phase involves rebuilding housing and utilities over two years, while the final phase focuses on constructing an airport, two seaports, and an industrial zone, projected to cost $30 billion.
Key to the governance aspect of this plan is the proposal for a temporary Governance Assistance Mission, which would exclude Hamas from overseeing humanitarian aid and reconstruction until a reformed Palestinian Authority takes over. Interestingly, Hamas has publicly welcomed this proposal as it indicates strong Arab cooperation on Palestinian matters.
The Arab League’s final communiqué from the summit urged the UN Security Council to send an international peacekeeping force to both Gaza and the West Bank. Furthermore, Egypt plans to host a conference in coordination with the UN for the reconstruction agreement. Funding is anticipated from wealthy Gulf nations including the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, overseen by a World Bank-managed trust fund.
The Egyptian proposal includes establishing a sovereign Palestinian state as a future goal, enhancing connectivity between the West Bank, east Jerusalem, and Gaza. Some of these interconnectivity ideas mirror elements from Trump’s comprehensive plan for peace in the region, which suggested a Palestinian state, albeit with certain territorial exclusions and a connected infrastructure.
Despite the support for Egypt’s plan from the Arab League, it has encountered resistance from US and Israeli officials. The White House has labeled it as unworkable, given Gaza’s current uninhabitable conditions. Israeli officials have criticized it as outdated and ineffective.
However, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres endorsed the Arab initiative, highlighting the UN’s readiness for collaboration to ensure Gaza’s reconstruction support. Initial responses from US and Israeli representatives to the plan could evolve, particularly as the US engages in direct talks with Hamas, potentially opening avenues for further discussion and negotiation.
In summary, both Egypt and Donald Trump have presented contrasting plans for Gaza’s future, reflecting differing approaches to the ongoing conflict. Egypt’s proposal aims to rebuild Gaza while allowing its residents to remain, garnering support from the Arab League and the UN. In contrast, Trump’s vision involves significant relocations and the establishment of a US-run development zone, met with skepticism from many regions. The situation remains fluid, with potential for collaboration and further negotiations as discussions continue.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
