Israel condemns Egypt’s reconstruction plan for Gaza, while Arab leaders argue it will not lead to Palestinian displacement, unlike Trump’s earlier proposal. Egypt’s Foreign Minister underscores the need for a Palestinian state to ensure peace, while Shin Bet admits to serious failures in preventing Hamas attacks. Calls for a national inquiry into Israeli security failures persist, even as Egypt plans to present its proposal to the OIC for support.
Israel has criticized Egypt’s proposed $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza, asserting it could lead to the displacement of Palestinians. Arab leaders, endorsing the plan during the recent Arab League summit in Cairo, countered that it would not replicate the dislocation associated with former President Trump’s proposal. Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, labeled Israel’s denunciation of the plan as “unacceptable,” describing the Netanyahu administration as “stubborn and extremist.” He emphasized that lasting peace in the region is contingent on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
In light of the recent Hamas-led attacks, Shin Bet has publicly acknowledged its failure to foresee and prevent the assaults, admitting that it underestimated the organization’s intentions for total war. The head of Shin Bet, Ronen Bar, stated that had his agency acted differently prior to the attacks, the tragedy might have been averted. He expressed deep remorse, stating, “As the head of the organization, I will carry this heavy burden on my shoulders for the rest of my life.”
The shortcomings of both Shin Bet and the Israeli military have led to intensified calls from the opposition and civil society for a national inquiry into the government’s failures during an unprecedented period of violence. However, despite these demands, Prime Minister Netanyahu has not initiated a formal investigation into the tragic events of October 7. Furthermore, Foreign Minister Abdelatty announced that Egypt would present its reconstruction plan to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for endorsement in an upcoming emergency meeting scheduled for March 7 in Jeddah, seeking the collective acceptance from its 57 member states.
The recent summit in Cairo was prompted by controversial proposals from former President Trump that aimed to displace Palestinian communities from Gaza. In contrast, the plan approved by Arab leaders seeks immediate humanitarian relief and lays the groundwork for comprehensive reconstruction without displacing local populations.
In summary, Egypt’s Gaza reconstruction plan has garnered Arab support despite severe criticism from Israel. Egyptian officials assert that lasting peace is predicated on recognizing Palestinian statehood. Concurrently, investigations into the failures of Israeli security forces during the Hamas assault have prompted calls for accountability. The impending meeting of the OIC is anticipated to further unify support for the reconstruction efforts in Gaza, emphasizing a commitment to aid without dislocation.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
