The Arab League has approved Egypt’s reconstruction plan for Gaza, rejecting U.S. proposals that sought to displace its residents. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi emphasized that true peace requires the establishment of a Palestinian state. The plan aims to enable Palestinian governance and foster stability in the region, with significant international support anticipated for its implementation.
At a recent emergency summit held in Cairo, the Arab League endorsed Egypt’s reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip, rejecting the controversial U.S. proposal that called for the removal of Gaza’s population. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi emphasized the importance of establishing a Palestinian state, asserting that peace cannot be achieved without respecting this fundamental right. He highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, where residents face devastating choices due to ongoing conflict, and reiterated Egypt’s commitment to mediating an end to hostilities alongside Qatar.
In discussing the reconstruction initiative, President Sisi detailed the formation of a committee of independent Palestinians to manage Gaza’s governance and security. He called for the establishment of a funding initiative to support rebuilding efforts, emphasizing that this plan would safeguard Palestinian rights and allow them to remain in their homeland. Sisi also addressed ongoing issues in the West Bank and the threats posed by attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque, cautioning against undermining its status quo.
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit praised the summit’s importance for the Palestinian cause, stating the need to avoid further humanitarian disasters for Palestinians. Gheit firmly dismissed the displacement of Palestinians as unacceptable and condemned any American proposals deemed illegal. Jordan’s King Abdullah expressed support for the Egyptian plan and reiterated the necessity of the two-state solution, which should see East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas underscored the importance of the Egyptian-Arab reconstruction plan, reinforcing opposition to any initiatives that would displace Gazans. He also expressed readiness to hold potential elections for Palestinian leadership, contingent on favorable circumstances. Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun highlighted Lebanon’s commitment to Palestinian rights and the liberation of Lebanese territory, positioning the country as a legitimate partner in regional efforts.
The summit, attended by key figures including Qatari and Syrian leaders, signaled a collective regional stance against the proposed displacement of Palestinians. A draft of the summit’s final declaration indicated the need for a political process aligned with Palestinian aspirations. Significant international diplomacy, especially led by Saudi Arabia, is anticipated to pave the way for implementing the two-state solution and promoting humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Reports emerged detailing the specifics of Egypt’s reconstruction strategy, including the exclusion of Hamas from Gaza’s governance and the establishment of an international force to oversee security. The plan, costing approximately $53 billion, proposes a six-month administrative committee to coordinate reconstruction efforts with a clear aim of returning governance to the Palestinian Authority.
The adoption of Egypt’s reconstruction plan by the Arab League represents a unified rejection of U.S. proposals for Gaza’s future. By prioritizing the establishment of a Palestinian state and the preservation of their rights, regional leaders have emphasized their commitment to resolving the ongoing crisis through diplomacy. The collaborative effort aims to restore stability, rebuild Gaza, and reaffirm Palestinian identity amidst ongoing challenges.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
