Arab leaders are set to back a reconstruction plan for Gaza, spearheaded by Egypt, as a counter to President Trump’s controversial proposal. The Egyptian plan focuses on preserving Palestinian rights and sustainable development. However, significant challenges remain regarding funding and governance in post-conflict Gaza.
In a bid to counter President Donald Trump’s controversial reconstruction plan for Gaza, Arab leaders are prepared to endorse an alternative at an emergency summit in Cairo. Egypt has devised a comprehensive 91-page blueprint to rival Trump’s idea, which includes plans to forcibly relocate over two million Palestinians, a proposal that has alarmed the Arab community and elicited strong backlash internationally.
Distinct from Trump’s property-focused rationale, Cairo’s vision emphasizes Palestinian rights and political considerations. A leaked document indicates it is a cohesive plan developed in collaboration with Palestinian authorities and Arab nations, bolstered by research from the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme.
The plan notably allows the Palestinian population to retain their homes and livelihoods, reframing the future of Gaza amid the destruction wrought by 16 months of conflict. According to the United Nations, 90% of housing has been damaged or destroyed, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation.
While avoiding direct references to Trump’s controversial remarks on relocating Palestinians, the draft warns that such actions could ignite further conflict and destabilize the region. It explicitly states that “any malicious attempts to displace Palestinians” would lead to increased discord, undermining prospects for peace in the Middle East.
Arab nations face immense pressure to present a viable alternative that can garner international support, and presentation has become crucial. President Trump’s recent promotion of an AI-generated vision of Gaza met with widespread ridicule; thus, the Egyptian proposal seeks to restore dignity and hope through ambitious reconstruction plans.
Cairo’s strategy draws on lessons from cities that have successfully rebuilt post-conflict, like Beirut and Berlin, and is inspired by Egypt’s own urban development efforts. Nonetheless, securing funding for Gaza’s reconstruction remains a critical concern, with estimates placing the total cost around $50 billion, a figure that wealthy Gulf states may be willing to support contingent upon assurances of stability.
Determining governance in Gaza following the conflict is another contentious element. Proposals include establishing a transitional technocratic committee under Palestinian leadership, yet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes the involvement of Hamas or the Palestinian Authority in governance. The draft also calls for UN peacekeeping forces to help secure the area for both Palestinians and Israelis.
Although gaining approval from Arab leaders seems plausible, effective implementation hinges on navigating Hamas’s military influence and political leverage. As discussions continue, the discourse around disarming Hamas remains a contentious issue, creating further complications in achieving sustainable peace and recovery. President Trump, for his part, has asserted that his plan remains the only viable solution despite facing widespread criticism.
The Egyptian reconstruction plan for Gaza, poised to be presented at an Arab leaders’ summit, aims to preserve Palestinian rights and offer a comprehensive recovery strategy. Distinct from Trump’s controversial approach, it focuses on sustainable rebuilding while allowing residents to remain in their homes. However, achieving successful governance and securing adequate funding will be critical to ensure long-term stability in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
