Egyptian President el-Sissi announced Arab leaders’ support for a counterproposal to Trump’s plan for Gaza. This plan, focused on rebuilding without depopulation, aims to secure Palestinian rights and establish governance while addressing urgent humanitarian needs amidst ongoing conflict. The viability of the proposal depends on acceptance by Israel and international stakeholders.
The Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, announced that Arab leaders have approved Egypt’s postwar plan for the Gaza Strip during a recent summit in Cairo. This plan offers a counterproposal to President Donald Trump’s initiative, which suggested the depopulation of Gaza for redevelopment as a beach destination for tourists. However, the acceptance of the Egyptian plan by Israel and the United States remains uncertain.
At the Cairo summit, key figures including the Emir of Qatar, the UAE’s vice president, and Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister convened to discuss a unified approach to Gaza, especially amidst tensions due to the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, was also present at this meeting.
In light of the ongoing conflict, Israel has proposed an alternative ceasefire arrangement that includes the release of hostages taken by Hamas during the recent attacks. However, Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid into Gaza has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organizations, critiquing it for potentially breaching international law.
Egypt’s detailed proposal encompasses plans for the rebuilding of Gaza by 2030, centering on maintaining the original population rather than relocating them. This ambitious $53 billion plan outlines the clearing of rubble and establishment of temporary housing units while focusing on sustainable development, including green residential areas and essential infrastructure projects like a commercial port and airport.
Hamas is expected to relinquish control to a temporary governing body of independent leaders while preparing for the eventual reformation of the Palestinian Authority. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who opposes Hamas, also participated in the Cairo summit, aiming for a shared governance strategy.
President el-Sissi emphasized the importance of recognizing the rights of Palestinians for nation-building and called for renewed efforts for lasting peace. He stated that genuine peace hinges on the establishment of a Palestinian state and the necessity for an effective political process to address the Palestinian issue adequately.
The summit’s initial statements suggested a framework for a just conflict resolution and proposed deploying international peacekeepers in the region, though this mention was later omitted. Israel remains committed to maintaining security control over Gaza and the West Bank, rejecting Palestinian autonomy in the area.
Critics of Trump’s plan, which included relocating Gaza’s Palestinian population, highlighted widespread opposition from local and international communities. European Union officials expressed readiness to support Egypt’s reconstruction plan, reinforcing their commitment to a two-state solution as the viable path forward for both Palestinians and Israelis.
The ongoing conflict, triggered by Hamas’s attack on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties and the displacement of civilians within Gaza. Despite international discussions, the future remains precarious as needs for humanitarian aid and security in the region grow intensively.
In conclusion, the endorsement of Egypt’s reconstruction plan by Arab leaders marks a pivotal moment in addressing the humanitarian needs and future governance of the Gaza Strip. The proposal aims to reshape Gaza while preserving its population and emphasizing sustainable development. However, the path forward remains complex, with both Israeli and international responses crucial for its implementation.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
