Arab foreign ministers plan to propose a comprehensive plan for Gaza’s reconstruction to President Trump, aiming to rebuild the territory without displacing its inhabitants. This comes after Trump’s controversial proposal to expel Palestinians. A summit in Cairo will precede their visit to Washington, and officials emphasize the necessity of a solid plan that addresses governance and security concerns.
Arab foreign ministers are preparing to visit Washington within weeks to present a comprehensive proposal aimed at rebuilding Gaza without displacing the Palestinian population, according to sources from Jordanian officials. The initiative follows a controversial suggestion made by U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this month regarding the expulsion of 2.1 million Palestinians from Gaza and transforming the region into a luxurious enclave owned by the United States, which sparked significant outrage throughout the Middle East.
A wider summit in Cairo is scheduled for March 4, where Arab leaders will issue a detailed “road map” addressing the Gaza conflict. The representatives from Arab countries plan to ensure that their proposal is well-developed and solid before presenting it to the Trump administration. Key elements of the counterproposal will include plans for reconstruction while maintaining the local population, governance of Gaza post-conflict, reforming the Palestinian Authority, and establishing peacekeeping forces within the territory.
During an informal meeting in Riyadh last week, Arab officials reached a consensus on the stance regarding Gaza, emphasizing their rejection of any displacement proposals. Notably, Jordan and Egypt, which Trump suggested might receive the displaced Palestinians, view such actions as violations of their national security. One Jordanian official unequivocally stated, “Our position is firm and clear and we won’t accept any threat to our national security.”
Jordanian officials have repeatedly warned against displacement efforts, with the Jordanian foreign minister previously characterizing any moves to transfer Palestinians to Jordan as a “declaration of war.” Concerns are prevalent regarding potential escalations in violence during the forthcoming Holy Month of Ramadan. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has indicated optimism, claiming Egypt could rebuild Gaza within three years while highlighting that this plan would consider the estimations provided by the World Bank, European Union, and the United Nations.
It is noted that the restoration of vital services in Gaza alone would necessitate three years, while the overall reconstruction would require ten years, costing an estimated $50 billion. The Egyptian Prime Minister asserted that his country’s rebuilding strategy aligns with these assessments, positioning Egypt as a pivotal player in the reconstruction of Gaza, provided a permanent ceasefire is established.
In summary, Arab foreign ministers intend to craft and present a detailed proposal for the reconstruction of Gaza to U.S. President Donald Trump. The initiative aims to address crucial issues without displacing Palestinians, focusing on governance and potential peacekeeping. Arab nations have unified against displacement, asserting that it poses a threat to their security. Egypt asserts it could rebuild Gaza within three years, given a viable ceasefire is established.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
