Arab leaders have endorsed a $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza during an emergency summit in Cairo, designed to challenge President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal for the region. The plan aims to counter Trump’s vision of displacing over two million Palestinians from Gaza.
Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the secretary-general of the Arab League, announced that “the Egypt plan is now an Arab plan,” emphasizing the collective rejection of any form of displacement—be it voluntary or forced. Egypt has developed a detailed 91-page proposal, showcasing images of revitalized neighborhoods and public buildings, presenting a stark contrast to Trump’s “Middle East Riviera” concept that shocked the Arab world.
In his opening remarks, Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi called for parallel efforts alongside infrastructure recovery to work towards a two-state solution, which many believe is the only viable resolution to the ongoing conflict. This proposed plan suggests that Gaza would be managed temporarily by a “Gaza management committee” operating under the Palestinian government, comprised of qualified technocrats.
The plan has raised questions about the role of Hamas, with some Arab nations advocating for its dismantling, while others argue that such decisions should be left to the Palestinians. Although Hamas has indicated it won’t participate in governance, it has firmly rejected disarming.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed any future involvement for both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. Security concerns will be addressed through a proposal for the UN Security Council to deploy international peacekeepers.
An international conference is scheduled for next month to gather funds needed for the ambitious reconstruction project. Wealthy Gulf states have hinted at contributing, but are hesitant to invest without assurances that the region won’t experience further conflict.
The reconstruction plan is set to unfold in three phases, starting with an initial six-month period focused on clearing debris and unexploded ordnance. During this phase, approximately 1.5 million displaced Palestinians would be housed in temporary container units, depicted in promotional materials as well-designed and landscaped homes.
As Trump continues to question why Palestinians wouldn’t want to relocate, his portrayal of Gaza as a “demolition site” accentuates the ongoing devastation, with the UN reporting significant damage to homes and infrastructure.
A Western diplomat noted that Cairo’s plan reflects the need to counter Trump’s narrative, highlighting its comprehensive and well-prepared nature. The proposal draws from a range of expertise, including advice from the World Bank and urban design lessons from other cities that have recovered from conflict, such as Hiroshima and Beirut.
While Trump claims his plan is the most effective, the responsibility now lies with Arab states and their allies to demonstrate that their approach offers the best pathway forward for Gaza.
Credit: BBC News
