Arab leaders in Cairo endorsed Egypt’s $53 billion plan to rebuild Gaza, which allows its 2 million residents to remain, rejecting Trump’s proposal for depopulation. While Hamas welcomed this plan, Israel and Trump’s administration dismissed it as unworkable, emphasizing the need for a different approach to address Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and security situation.
On Tuesday, Arab leaders gathered in Cairo to endorse Egypt’s postwar plan for rebuilding the Gaza Strip, which would allow the region’s 2 million Palestinian residents to remain in their homeland. This proposal stands in stark opposition to U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial plan that advocates for the depopulation and redevelopment of the area as a beach destination. The $53 billion initiative received widespread support, with Hamas welcoming the endorsement while Israel and the Trump administration expressed skepticism.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi hailed the Arab consensus supporting the reconstruction plan, emphasizing the significance of ensuring that Palestinian people remain on their land without being displaced. El-Sissi expressed eagerness to collaborate with the Trump administration and the international community to achieve a comprehensive and just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that guarantees regional security.
The White House and Israeli officials criticized Egypt’s plan, suggesting it fails to address the dire living conditions in Gaza, which are marred by debris and unexploded ordnance. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes stated, “The current proposal does not address the reality that Gaza is currently uninhabitable.” Israel’s foreign ministry spokesperson deemed the Egyptian initiative as outdated and ineffective.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty rejected Israel’s dismissal of the proposal, declaring it unacceptable and expressing that true peace in the region hinges on establishing an independent Palestinian state, compliant with United Nations resolutions. He insisted that Israel’s rejection of the plan displays a stubbornness that undermines prospects for lasting peace.
Hamas welcomed the support shown by Arab leaders at the summit, interpreting it as a solidarity gesture with the Palestinian cause. The group underscored the importance of Arab nations rejecting moves to transfer Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank. Israel continues to favor Trump’s plan to resettle Gaza’s population beyond its borders, asserting it as a potential opportunity for peace.
In summary, the endorsement of Egypt’s reconstruction plan by Arab leaders marks a significant rejection of President Trump’s controversial proposal for Gaza. The plan aims to rebuild the strip while allowing its Palestinian residents to remain, highlighting the necessity of addressing their plight without displacement. Nevertheless, the rejection from Israel and the U.S. points to ongoing tensions and differing visions for the future of Gaza and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
