The article discusses the rejection of an Arab nations’ reconstruction plan for Gaza by the U.S. and Israel. Proposed by Egypt, the plan aims to rebuild Gaza without displacing its residents. Israel criticized the plan’s reliance on certain Palestinian organizations, while the U.S. emphasized Gaza’s uninhabitable state. The reconstruction initiative, estimated at $53 billion, seeks international support, contingent on a permanent ceasefire.
Arab nations, spearheaded by Egypt, have proposed a reconstruction plan for Gaza that maintains the presence of its inhabitants, countering President Trump’s controversial suggestion to displace over two million Palestinians for luxury development. During a summit in Cairo, the 22-member Arab League unanimously supported this alternative that emphasizes the importance of not forcing residents to leave the territory during the rebuilding process.
The rejection from the Trump administration and Israel was swift, as the White House referenced the extensive destruction during the recent conflict with Hamas, asserting that Gaza is currently uninhabitable. Many Palestinians have expressed strong opposition to any plans requiring their displacement, emphasizing that such actions could be perceived as ethnic cleansing. Hamas supports the reconstruction plan but has refused to disarm, which Israel views as a critical requirement for a ceasefire.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry promptly dismissed the Egyptian initiative, criticizing its reliance on organizations like the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA, which they allege have histories of corruption and ineffectiveness. The ministry reiterated its support for President Trump’s plan as a viable opportunity for Palestinians to exercise their choices, despite the latter’s insistence that return to Gaza would not be permitted.
The U.S. National Security Council spokesperson stated that the Arab proposal overlooks the harsh realities of Gaza’s living conditions and emphasized President Trump’s commitment to rebuilding the region independent of Hamas. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi underscored at the summit the urgent need for a durable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, expressing belief in Trump’s potential to achieve these goals.
The Egyptian plan consists of three phases: an initial relief operation involving 200,000 temporary housing units, followed by the construction of 200,000 permanent units and the reestablishment of infrastructure, and finally the addition of further housing and reconstruction of services, such as ports and an airport. Each phase is projected to require substantial funding, spanning approximately six years and totaling around $53 billion.
Management of Gaza would transition to a committee of Palestinian technocrats for six months before the Palestinian Authority reinstates control. Egypt also plans to train Palestinian security forces, although specifics on the timing remain unclear. All operations hinge on achieving a permanent ceasefire, especially given Israel’s control over Gaza’s borders and aid flow.
President el-Sissi has called upon the international community to support this extensive reconstruction plan, inviting nations to a forthcoming conference aimed at securing necessary funding. He encouraged collective responsibility in ensuring that Palestinian civilians can live in a safe and civilized environment comparable to other nations, while Arab leaders requested that the U.N. Security Council consider deploying international peacekeepers to secure a lasting peace in both Gaza and the West Bank. The importance of UNRWA’s role in supporting Palestinian refugees was also reaffirmed, despite Israel’s ongoing accusations linking the agency to Hamas activities.
In summary, the Arab nations, led by Egypt, have proposed a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza that preserves the presence of its residents, but this initiative has met firm rejection from both the U.S. and Israel. The proposed plan, with a projected budget of $53 billion and structured into three phases, emphasizes the need for immediate humanitarian relief and eventual long-term reconstruction. Furthermore, international support is crucial for the plan’s success, particularly in achieving a permanent ceasefire, and addressing concerns about governance and security in Gaza.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
