Arab leaders in Cairo endorsed Egypt’s plan to rebuild Gaza, contrasting with Trump’s controversial proposal to depopulate the area. The initiative aims to retain Gaza’s Palestinian population while ensuring sustainable reconstruction by 2030. The plan has received positive feedback from Hamas, while facing skepticism from Israel and the Trump administration.
On Tuesday, Arab leaders convened in Cairo and endorsed Egypt’s comprehensive plan for reconstructing Gaza, a counterproposal to U.S. President Donald Trump’s contentious vision. This plan prioritizes the retention of Gaza’s existing Palestinian population of approximately 2 million, contrasting sharply with Trump’s approach of potential depopulation and transformation of the region into a resort destination. The endorsement, articulated during the summit, was praised by Hamas, but received cool feedback from Israel and the Trump administration.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi expressed gratitude for the Arab consensus that supports the reconstruction initiative, emphasizing the importance of allowing Palestinians to remain on their homeland. Following the summit, el-Sissi reiterated his commitment to collaborating with Trump and other regional leaders to foster a fair settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, ensuring regional security and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
However, the White House National Security Council dismissed the Egyptian plan as impractical, arguing it did not adequately address Gaza’s dire living conditions resulting from extensive destruction. Brian Hughes, a spokesman for the Council, stated that Trump’s vision for rebuilding Gaza—detached from Hamas’ influence—still holds priority. Israel’s Foreign Ministry similarly criticized the Egyptian proposal for not reflecting current realities, further asserting their advocacy for Trump’s resettlement proposal.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty condemned Israel’s rejection of the reconstruction plan, deeming it unacceptable and indicative of a rigid stance. He claimed that peace in the region is unattainable without the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state. Abdelatty noted violations of international law by Israel, emphasizing the need for global governance rather than unilateral determinations.
Hamas expressed its approval of the summit’s outcome, interpreting it as a strengthening of Arab solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The organization values the clear rejection of proposals to forcibly relocate Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank. On the other hand, Israel continued to push for a U.S.-endorsed strategy, focusing on a ceasefire and the return of hostages taken during a recent attack by Hamas.
Egypt’s reconstruction initiative seeks to revamp Gaza by 2030, emphasizing the non-removal of its current inhabitants. The immediate focus of the plan includes the clearance of debris and unexploded munitions following Israel’s military actions. Arab League Chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit also highlighted calls for a U.N. peacekeeping force as part of a broader security framework.
Egypt will facilitate an international conference in collaboration with the United Nations to secure funding for Gaza’s rebuilding efforts. Detailed plans suggest the establishment of temporary housing and transformed urban areas designed for sustainability, reflecting improvements in infrastructure, agriculture, and energy use. The overarching goal is to revitalize the devastated region and ensure prospects for a livable environment for Gaza’s residents.
Under the proposed plan, Hamas could transfer power to a politically independent interim administration during the reconstruction process. This development arises amid Israel’s dismissals of any role for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza’s governance. The complexities of sovereignty and control remain heightened as regional stability hangs in the balance, particularly following the recent escalation of conflicts between Hamas and Israel.
In conclusion, the endorsement of Egypt’s plan for Gaza reconstruction by Arab leaders serves as a significant diplomatic stance against Trump’s proposal for depopulation. With an emphasis on retaining the Palestinian population while rebuilding efforts progress, the plan reflects a desire for lasting peace and statehood amid ongoing conflict. While the United States and Israel remain skeptical of the proposal, the reaffirmation of Arab solidarity presents new dynamics in addressing the Palestinian issue.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
