Arab leaders have adopted an Egyptian-led plan to rebuild Gaza at an estimated cost of $53 billion, prioritizing the avoidance of Palestinian displacement. The proposal, presented by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sissi at a summit in Cairo, has been welcomed by Hamas but rejected by the United States and Israel.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Sissi emphasized that the reconstruction plan ensures Palestinians remain in Gaza and introduces a temporary administration of independent Palestinian technocrats unaffiliated with Hamas. This committee would oversee humanitarian aid and governance until the Palestinian Authority (PA) assumes control. However, the plan does not address Hamas’s role or clarify funding sources for the massive reconstruction effort.
Hamas’s Future Sparks Divisions
The summit exposed divisions over Hamas’s role in postwar Gaza. The UAE called for Hamas’s immediate disarmament, while other Arab nations advocated a gradual approach. Saudi Arabia and the US reportedly objected to any reconstruction plan that allows Hamas to retain arms.
The US National Security Council criticized the Egyptian plan, arguing that Gaza remains uninhabitable due to destruction and unexploded ordnance. Washington reaffirmed support for former President Donald Trump’s vision to rebuild Gaza without Hamas’s presence, leaving the door open for further negotiations.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry dismissed Egypt’s proposal, claiming it fails to address Hamas’s attacks and does not hold the group accountable. Israel reiterated support for Trump’s plan to resettle Gazans elsewhere, describing it as offering Palestinians a “free choice based on their free will.”
Egypt Rejects Israeli Opposition
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty condemned Israel’s stance as “unacceptable,” asserting that peace is impossible without an independent Palestinian state. He accused Israel of violating international law and insisted no single country should impose its will on the global community.
A Vision for Reconstruction
The Egyptian proposal, titled “Early Recovery, Reconstruction, Development of Gaza,” calls for a two-state solution and emphasizes preserving Palestinians’ rights. It proposes a Gaza Administration Committee to oversee governance during a six-month transition, followed by Palestinian elections within a year if conditions allow.
The plan includes modern infrastructure projects, including residential zones, commercial centers, an airport, and a seaport. It draws inspiration from the postwar reconstruction of Hiroshima and Berlin, envisioning a long-term rebuilding process until 2030. The document avoids naming Hamas directly but acknowledges the challenge of managing multiple armed factions.
Funding and International Reactions
With an estimated cost of $53 billion, the plan relies on funding from Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The PA proposed locating the reconstruction fund within the World Bank for oversight.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres endorsed the Egyptian plan, pledging full UN cooperation. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas also supported it, reaffirming the PA’s readiness to hold elections and govern Gaza.
Trump’s Alternative Vision
Trump’s initial proposal for a US-led takeover of Gaza, transforming it into a “Middle East Riviera,” faced widespread opposition. While he later softened his stance, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to back the idea, calling it “visionary and innovative.”
Hamas Rejects External Control
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem insisted that Gaza’s future must be determined by Palestinians through national consensus, rejecting foreign-imposed solutions. A senior Hamas official reiterated that the group would not disarm, labeling its weapons a “red line.”
Unresolved Challenges
Despite its ambitious scope, Egypt’s plan lacks specifics on dealing with Hamas and preventing future violence. It suggests training Palestinian police with support from Egypt and Jordan and considers an international security force for Gaza and the West Bank.
The Cairo summit unfolded as Israel and Hamas remained at an impasse over a ceasefire agreement and hostage exchanges. With both sides holding firm positions, the future of Gaza remains uncertain, even as diplomatic efforts continue.
