Egypt’s President Al Sisi announced the endorsement of Gaza’s reconstruction plan by Arab leaders during the Cairo summit, presenting it as a viable alternative to U.S. President Trump’s controversial proposal. The plan involves a budget of $53 billion over five years, focusing on Palestinian governance and infrastructure recovery amid ongoing hostilities with Israel and Hamas. The support of Saudi Arabia is crucial for the success of regional efforts.
At a Cairo summit of the Arab League, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi announced the endorsement of Egypt’s reconstruction plan for Gaza by Arab leaders. The initiative aims to rebuild the war-torn region while allowing Palestinians to remain in their homeland, providing a counter-proposal to a controversial plan by U.S. President Donald Trump. Although Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas expressed readiness to regain control of Gaza, uncertainties remain regarding their ability to govern the territory amidst Israeli opposition and Hamas’s influence.
Sisi detailed that the Egyptian plan would be managed by a committee of Palestinian technocrats, facilitating the Palestinian Authority’s potential return. Abbas noted the formation of a committee tasked with preparing for the PA’s reinvolvement in Gaza’s governance and security. Previous governance by the PA ended in 2007 when Hamas gained control, following which the region faced significant devastation.
The draft of the Egyptian plan outlines a comprehensive strategy with a financial requirement of $53 billion, equivalent to the estimated cost for Gaza’s reconstruction as per U.N. assessments. This five-year roadmap includes urgent recovery initiatives such as clearing debris and providing temporary housing, followed by extensive phases focused on restoring essential infrastructure and living facilities.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres endorsed the Arab-led initiative and pledged U.N. cooperation in rebuilding Gaza. In a notable absence, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman did not attend the summit, highlighting a potential gap in regional support that is crucial for reconstruction efforts. Amidst these discussions, Israel’s military actions against Hamas continue to create severe humanitarian implications in Gaza.
As the ceasefire situation remains delicate, Hamas has been insistent on demanding total demilitarization of Gaza and addressing its arms as non-negotiable, while Israel is prepared to impose restrictions on goods unless its conditions for extended truce agreements are met. The Cairo summit thus serves as a critical platform for Arab states to solidify a unified response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and address broader geopolitical concerns.
In summary, the Cairo summit resulted in a direct endorsement of Egypt’s Gaza reconstruction plan by Arab leaders, aiming to provide a Palestinian-led resolution against the backdrop of U.S. proposals. The plan, structured as a comprehensive five-year strategy, outlines significant international funding and structural rehabilitation efforts. However, the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian tensions and Hamas’s uncompromising stance towards demilitarization pose substantial obstacles to achieving a durable resolution.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
