Egypt has proposed a $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza, which aims to avoid displacing Palestinians and has received backing from Arab leaders. Israel has criticized the initiative, leading to a stern response from Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, who insists peace requires an independent Palestinian state. Shin Bet has acknowledged significant shortcomings in preventing recent Hamas attacks, prompting calls for a national inquiry in Israel. Egypt plans to present the Gaza plan to the OIC for broader approval, reinforcing regional solidarity against displacement tactics.
Israel has criticized Egypt’s $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza, asserting that it could displace Palestinians, a claim strongly rejected by Arab leaders. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty rebuffed Israel’s comments, stating that the Netanyahu government’s stance is both “stubborn and extremist.” He emphasized that achieving peace in the region requires the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, asserting, “No single state should be allowed to impose its will on the international community.”
Following the Hamas-led attacks, Shin Bet has acknowledged its failure in preventing the assault, admitting it overlooked crucial signs. The head of Shin Bet, Ronen Bar, stated, “If Israel’s top domestic security agency had acted differently… the massacre would have been prevented.” He expressed deep remorse over the failure to protect civilians and has considered resigning over the agency’s shortcomings.
The investigations into security failures coincided with increasing calls for a national inquiry in Israel regarding the government’s response to the unprecedented violence on October 7. Despite public outcry, Prime Minister Netanyahu has yet to initiate a formal investigation into these matters.
Egypt plans to bring its Gaza reconstruction proposal before the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to gain wider endorsement. Minister Abdelatty announced an emergency meeting on March 7 in Jeddah aimed at securing support for what is described as an Arab and Islamic initiative. The OIC includes all the members of the Arab League among its 57 member states, setting a unified front against plans to forcibly displace Palestinians.
In context, Arab leaders convened an emergency summit in Cairo, where they collectively opposed any plans that may lead to the displacement of Palestinians. The leaders endorsed a comprehensive strategy that includes immediate relief efforts and a commitment to the full reconstruction of Gaza, emphasizing the need for regional cooperation to stabilize the area.
Egypt’s reconstruction plan for Gaza has garnered support from Arab leaders despite Israel’s concerns over potential displacement of Palestinians. Investigations into Israeli security agencies’ failures further complicate the ongoing political landscape, calling for accountability. The upcoming OIC meeting illustrates a united Arab front advocating for the rights of Palestinians and the need for an independent state, steering away from any policies of forced displacement.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
