Arab leaders adopted an Egyptian reconstruction plan for Gaza at the Cairo summit, rejecting Trump’s proposal. The plan, estimated at $53 billion, emphasizes non-displacement of Palestinians while focusing on governance and funding responsibilities. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas supports the initiative, whereas Hamas maintains its position against disarmament, complicating future efforts for stabilization in Gaza.
At a recent summit in Cairo, Arab leaders formally endorsed Egypt’s proposed $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza, which aims to avoid the displacement of Palestinians. This initiative diverges from U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Middle East Riviera” vision. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi confirmed the acceptance of this plan and expressed optimism for peace in the Gaza Strip.
A major concern surrounding Gaza’s future remains the governance of the enclave and securing funding for reconstruction, which is expected to total billions of dollars. In line with non-displacement, Egypt has collaborated with Palestinians to form an administrative committee of professionals to oversee humanitarian efforts and manage Gaza temporarily until the Palestinian Authority (PA) can return.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed his support for the Egyptian plan, emphasizing the importance of not displacing residents and suggesting his readiness to conduct elections if conditions permit. Having been in power since 2005, Abbas’s legitimacy has diminished due to prevailing perceptions of corruption and disconnection from the needs of Palestinians in light of continued Israeli settlements.
The reconstruction funding will likely require significant input from wealthy Gulf nations, notably the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. While the UAE seeks the disarmament of Hamas due to perceived threats, other Arab nations may advocate for a more gradual approach. The ongoing armed presence of Hamas presents challenges for any reconstruction plans needing U.S. and Israeli approvals, according to sources close to the matter.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan articulated the necessity for international guarantees to maintain the current ceasefire while promoting the PA’s role in governance. Notably, leaders from the UAE and Qatar did not address the summit openly. Hamas, established by the Muslim Brotherhood in 1987, has consistently opposed disarmament, rejecting external pressures to alter its operations in Gaza.
Egypt, Jordan, and Gulf states have been engaged in discussions to propose alternatives to Trump’s displacing ambitions. A draft communique clearly expressed opposition to the mass exodus of Palestinians from Gaza. The Egyptian plan encompasses a comprehensive 112-page framework detailing potential redevelopment projects, including housing developments, a commercial harbor, a tech hub, and recreational facilities.
Israel may be more amenable to an Arab-led governance model for Gaza, contingent upon the removal of Hamas from power. However, Israeli officials maintain that the primary goal of their military efforts is to dismantle Hamas’s capabilities. Reports suggest that Hamas has sustained losses during the ongoing conflict, but they remain assertive about maintaining their resistance frameworks.
The Arab states have collectively opted for an Egyptian reconstruction plan for Gaza that prioritizes the non-displacement of Palestinians while also addressing critical governance and funding challenges. The plan seeks to foster a more stable and sustainable future for Gaza, contrasting sharply with U.S. proposals. However, the involvement and agreement of key regional players, including managing the presence of Hamas, will be crucial moving forward.
Original Source: www.cbc.ca
