Arab leaders are meeting in Cairo to discuss an alternative to Trump’s plan for Gaza, which faces widespread condemnation. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has backed Trump’s proposal, prompting criticism from Palestinians and the Arab world. The reconstruction cost of Gaza is estimated to surpass $53 billion after recent conflicts, and Israel has introduced a new ceasefire plan amid resource blockades, while Arab nations work on their own reconstruction strategies.
Arab leaders convened in Cairo to devise an alternative approach to President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal regarding the control and reconstruction of Gaza, a region severely impacted by ongoing conflict. This summit of the Arab League follows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s endorsement of Trump’s plan, which has drawn widespread condemnation from Palestinians, Arab nations, and various international allies of Israel and the United States.
The reconstruction effort for Gaza is estimated to exceed $53 billion, primarily due to the destruction caused by the recent conflict, which was ignited by Hamas’s unexpected attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Reports indicate that Israel has proposed a new ceasefire plan, distinct from previous agreements, aiming to persuade Hamas to accept these new terms through the enforcement of a blockade on Gaza.
Prime Minister Netanyahu referred to the new proposal as the “Witkoff proposal,” allegedly crafted by U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, although the White House has neither confirmed nor denied this information. The current ceasefire agreement reached its initial phase without clarity regarding subsequent steps, leaving uncertainty among the parties involved.
Under the new proposal, Hamas is expected to release half of its remaining hostages in exchange for a ceasefire extension and negotiations for a long-term truce. However, Israel has not committed to releasing more Palestinian prisoners as part of this deal— a significant aspect of earlier negotiations that had yet to materialize.
In a concerning move, Israel has stopped sending vital supplies, including food and medicine, to Gaza’s population of two million, issuing threats of further consequences should Hamas reject the proposed terms. Simultaneously, Arab leaders are working on their independent reconstruction plan for Gaza, aiming to counter Trump’s suggestion to relocate the local population in favor of a tourism initiative. The continuation of such discussions remains precarious, dependent on the resolution of the ongoing conflict.
In summary, Arab leaders are actively seeking a viable alternative to President Trump’s controversial plan for Gaza, which proposes the displacement of its Palestinian residents. While Israel is implementing new proposals in the context of ongoing hostilities, many stakeholders are uniting to challenge these plans and address the substantial economic and humanitarian needs of the region. The future of Gaza and its people hinges on the successful negotiation of a comprehensive and just settlement.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
