This article examines Egypt’s reconstruction plan for Gaza, emphasizing the need to address political issues surrounding Hamas’s influence in order to achieve lasting stability. It highlights the unprecedented devastation in Gaza and the estimated costs of rebuilding, alongside the need for international support and coordination with the Palestinian Authority to ensure an effective reconstruction process while preventing the potential displacement of residents.
The issue of what follows the current situation in Gaza presents significant challenges, particularly in the restoration of the war-torn territory and the revival of stalled peace negotiations stemming from the Oslo Accords. A crucial differentiation must be made between the legitimate resistance against occupation and the actions of Hamas, which have resulted in grave missteps detrimental not only to the Palestinian populace but also to the future of the Palestinian cause itself.
Gaza has endured extensive destruction over the past two decades, primarily due to Hamas’s misguided ambitions, leading to over three billion dollars needed for reconstruction following each crisis. The latest devastation, however, surpasses previous occurrences, with approximations indicating that nearly 60,000 individuals have lost their lives and more than 120,000 have been injured. Additionally, upwards of 90% of Gaza’s infrastructure is now in ruins. A United Nations report estimates the total cost for rebuilding to reach approximately $60 billion.
At the recent Arab Summit convened in Cairo, Egypt put forth a reconstruction proposal aimed at preventing the displacement of Gaza’s inhabitants. This initiative stands in stark contrast to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial suggestion to relocate Palestinians in exchange for transforming Gaza into a luxury resort. The backlash against Trump’s AI-generated video depicting Gaza as a fanciful high-end destination has been tremendous, inciting outrage among Palestinians and Arab and Muslim communities within the United States.
Central to Egypt’s proposition is the assertion that Gaza cannot undergo reconstruction while Hamas remains in power. Financial supporters of the reconstruction, drawing from their troubling experiences in the previous decades, have set this as a prerequisite. There is a consensus among proponents that any forthcoming political structure must possess international legitimacy and be coordinated with the Palestinian Authority (PA), thereby excluding Hamas from the governance of Gaza.
The war that erupted on October 7 has created a grim reality: Hamas has become not only a burden to the Palestinians but also to the broader region. It is essential that any reconstruction efforts prevent a resurgence of violence and destruction, thereby necessitating the removal of Hamas from power, regardless of the method used, while preserving the valid notion of resistance in a constructive manner. Nevertheless, actualizing this vision proves to be a daunting task, as Hamas maintains considerable military influence in the territory.
However, signs of a recalibrated stance from Hamas emerged when, shortly after the conclusion of the Arab Summit, they expressed support for the reconstruction plan and forthcoming Palestinian elections. A pivotal moment occurred during Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s address when he announced a general amnesty for dismissed members of the movement, facilitating smoother electoral processes by eliminating previous barriers. The PA also outlined strategies to revamp its leadership and the governance structure, while revitalizing Fatah and planning for a reconvening of the Palestinian Central Council.
Egypt’s reconstruction initiative aspires to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, clear the remnants of 16 months of persistent Israeli airstrikes, and establish a foundation for sustainable stability. Cairo is exploring practical measures including designating firms for reconstruction, incorporating solar energy solutions, and recycling the vast amounts of debris—while also addressing unexploded ordnance and recovering bodies trapped beneath rubble, as reported by Gaza’s Ministry of Health.
The political reforms within the PA are intertwined with these humanitarian efforts, critical to attracting international funding necessary to aid reconstruction, especially from nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Additionally, plans are under discussion to establish a temporary Palestinian administration comprising 15 to 20 technocratic members, unaligned with any political factions, alongside an oversight body to ensure transparency in the allocation of the substantially needed financial aid. Moreover, the roles of international organizations such as the United Nations and essential global players including the United States, Russia, and China are being carefully considered.
From the perspective of Egyptian policymakers, the reconstruction efforts in Gaza must fit within a comprehensive peace framework that addresses security concerns for both parties involved, ensuring that neither Gaza nor the West Bank is subject to reoccupation, nor are their residents forcibly displaced. Egypt takes on the brunt of this arduous balancing act, merging humanitarian necessity with political strategy whilst adhering firmly to its “red line”: the mass displacement of Palestinians into Egypt is absolutely unacceptable. Such a scenario would not only have dire humanitarian ramifications but would also undermine the fundamental tenet of the Palestinian cause—the right of the Palestinian people to their homeland.
In summary, Egypt’s proposed reconstruction plan for Gaza emphasizes the vital need for political reform and international support, ensuring a stable post-conflict environment. It highlights the importance of mitigating Hamas’s political influence, addressing humanitarian needs, and preventing further cycles of violence. The success of rebuilding Gaza hinges on a nuanced approach that respects the rights of the Palestinian people while fostering economic and infrastructural recovery against the backdrop of sustained political cooperation and reform.
Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com
