President Trump has rejected Egypt’s Arab Gaza reconstruction plan, which aimed to rebuild the war-torn territory over five years. The plan consists of three phases, including temporary shelters and housing development, with an estimated total cost of $53 billion. The success of the proposal relies on securing Arab nations’ financial support and addressing governance issues with Hamas, which remains resistant to losing control.
The recent rejection by President Donald Trump of Egypt’s proposed Arab Gaza reconstruction plan presents a significant hurdle for its implementation. Announced at an emergency Arab summit in Cairo, the plan outlines a methodical approach for rebuilding the devastated Gaza Strip over a five-year period, prioritizing the establishment of temporary shelters and basic necessities for the displaced residents within the initial six months, at an estimated cost of $3 billion.
The reconstruction initiative consists of three phases. The second phase spans two years and involves the construction of approximately 200,000 residential units, costing around $20 billion. The final phase, lasting two and a half years, anticipates an additional investment of $30 billion for constructing another 200,000 units, accommodating the anticipated population growth in Gaza.
Moreover, the plan proposes the development of essential infrastructure such as a seaport, a fishing port, and an international airport, as articulated by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. However, the absence of U.S. support, particularly from President Trump, who highlighted that Gaza’s current condition is uninhabitable, complicates any progress toward these objectives.
In response to the setback, commentators in Cairo emphasize the urgency for Arab nations to exert diplomatic efforts to alter the U.S. position. Ambassador Moataz Ahmadin, Egypt’s former UN representative, indicated that the forwarding of Arab states’ demands, along with coordination with other key international partners, is crucial for generating strategic pressure on the U.S. administration. Furthermore, he pointed out that Arab states possess significant leverage regarding investment opportunities which could impact Trump’s stance.
The ambiguity surrounding the financial commitments from Arab nations poses additional concerns despite the apparent support for Egypt’s reconstruction strategy. The recent Arab summit exhibited some disunity among member states regarding the agenda, highlighted by the absence of leaders from Algeria and Tunisia.
Looking forward, Egypt plans to host a conference next month aimed at gathering the necessary funds to kickstart the reconstruction efforts. Foreign Minister Abdelatty assured that the five-year timeline allows ample opportunity for contributors to mobilize support for the required $53 billion for Gaza’s restoration.
The proposal also addresses governance in Gaza, suggesting a governance structure led by Palestinian technocrats, which is intended to be a temporary measure until the Palestinian Authority can extend its influence. However, the willingness of Hamas to cooperate with this plan remains uncertain, as the group insists on retaining its military presence and has expressed reluctance to yield control over civilian administration.
Ultimately, the dynamics surrounding this reconstruction plan will significantly depend on the cooperation of Hamas and the capacity of Arab nations to influence U.S. foreign policy. The ongoing uncertainty regarding financial support and Hamas’s possible resistance presents considerable challenges to the fulfillment of the outlined initiative.
The rejection of the reconstruction plan by President Trump highlights the complex geopolitical landscape influencing Gaza’s future. While Egypt and Arab states strive to address the humanitarian crisis, the success of these efforts hinges on securing financial commitments and navigating the political realities involving Hamas. Future conferences aimed at fundraising and diplomatic engagements will be critical in determining the trajectory of Gaza’s reconstruction.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
