The article discusses the challenges of rebuilding Gaza post-conflict, focusing on Egypt’s reconstruction plan, which emphasizes the need to exclude Hamas from power to ensure long-term stability. The devastation in Gaza necessitates extensive financial support, and Egypt seeks to engage international partners while addressing humanitarian crises and reinforcing Palestinian rights.
The future of Gaza poses significant challenges, particularly in terms of rebuilding and revitalizing the peace process initiated by the Oslo Accords. Differentiating between legitimate resistance against occupation and the actions of Hamas is crucial. The latter has made serious missteps that jeopardize both the Palestinian populace and the broader Palestinian cause.
Over the last two decades, Gaza has experienced extensive destruction, three times due to the misjudged ambitions of Hamas. The current devastation is unparalleled, with nearly 60,000 fatalities, over 120,000 injuries, and over 90% of infrastructure decimated. An estimate by the United Nations suggests that the cost to rebuild Gaza could reach $60 billion.
During the recent Arab Summit in Cairo, Egypt proposed a reconstruction plan that prioritizes the retention of Gaza’s residents. This plan stands in stark contrast to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion of relocating Palestinians in exchange for revitalizing Gaza as a luxurious destination. A controversial AI-generated video by Trump portraying Gaza as a prosperous resort has ignited backlash among Palestinians and the Arab community in the U.S.
The foundation of Egypt’s reconstruction strategy is the assertion that “Gaza cannot be rebuilt while Hamas remains in power.” Financial backers of this initiative cite their past experiences and insist on the separation of Hamas from any rehabilitation process. Supporters of the plan argue for an internationally legitimate political framework, coordinated directly with the Palestinian Authority (PA), effectively sidelining Hamas.
The fallout from the October 7 conflict has led to a consensus that Hamas’s influence is detrimental to both Palestinians and the wider region. Rebuilding efforts must prevent future destruction, necessitating Hamas’s removal from power while respecting the legitimate right to resistance in a constructive manner. However, the complexity of this task remains, given Hamas’s entrenched military capabilities in Gaza.
A notable shift occurred when Hamas, shortly after the Arab Summit, expressed their support for Egypt’s reconstruction plan and called for Palestinian elections. A significant breakthrough in Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s address occurred when he granted general amnesty to dismissed movement members, including notable contender Mohammed Dahlan, thereby facilitating the electoral process. Additionally, the PA aims to restructure its leadership and reform governmental institutions.
Egypt’s initiative seeks to address Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and to pave the way for long-term stability by implementing effective reconstruction strategies. These include selecting qualified companies for rebuilding, harnessing solar energy resources, and recycling debris, in collaboration with Gaza’s Ministry of Health to recover remains trapped beneath the rubble.
Political reforms within the PA are integral to securing international donor support, particularly from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Discussions are underway for establishing a temporary administration of technocrats, alongside an oversight body to ensure transparency in the allocation of reconstruction funds, with the participation of global organizations and key nations.
The reconstruction of Gaza, as viewed by Egyptian policymakers, is part of a comprehensive peace framework addressing security concerns for all stakeholders. It is imperative that Gaza and the West Bank remain free from forced displacement or reoccupation.
Ultimately, Egypt grapples with the dual responsibility of humanitarian assistance and political maneuvering. Egypt firmly maintains that mass displacement of Palestinians into its territory is unacceptable, as it threatens both humanitarian principles and the foundational rights of Palestinians to their homeland.
To summarize, the challenges facing Gaza necessitate a nuanced approach that balances humanitarian needs with political realities. Egypt’s reconstruction plan emphasizes the disempowerment of Hamas to ensure sustainable rebuilding and political stability, while also securing international support for the initiative. The success of these efforts hinges on cooperation with the Palestinian Authority and strategic international partnerships. Ultimately, the objective remains to ensure that Gaza’s reconstruction does not trigger further violence or displacement, preserving the essential rights of the Palestinian people to their land.
Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com
