The U.S. has rejected Egypt’s Gaza reconstruction plan, endorsing Trump’s vision for Palestinian expulsion. Egypt proposes a $53 billion reconstruction, insisting on no displacement of Palestinians. Trump’s plan aims to transform Gaza into a safe region while Israel considers further military action, complicating the situation.
The United States has dismissed Egypt’s proposal for post-war Gaza reconstruction, reinforcing President Donald Trump’s vision for the expulsion of Palestinians. Brian Hughes, the spokesperson for the National Security Council, articulated concerns regarding Gaza’s current condition, stating it is uninhabitable with debris and unexploded ordnance. Trump emphasizes a vision to rebuild Gaza free from Hamas, expressing optimism for further discussions aimed at promoting regional peace and prosperity.
During a recent summit in Cairo, Arab nations supported an Egyptian plan that requires Hamas to relinquish control over Gaza. This plan proposes a significant investment of $53 billion to reconstruct the territory, alongside plans to establish a new governance committee for a six-month period, preparing for the Palestinian Authority’s return. An international conference for contributions from donor countries is also scheduled in Cairo later this month.
The Egyptian initiative includes specific phases for reconstruction, with the initial recovery phase projected to last six months at a cost of $3 billion, followed by an extended reconstruction phase for two years at $20 billion, and an additional phase costing $30 billion over two and a half years. Importantly, Egypt’s proposal explicitly rejects any displacement of Palestinians, an approach that was positively received by Hamas.
In February, President Trump revealed his intention to take control of Gaza while relocating its residents, presenting the plan as a pathway to a safer environment for Palestinians, with international teams committed to reconstruction efforts. He described the vision as transforming Gaza into a desirable coastal destination, likening it to a “Middle East Riviera.” However, he later clarified that he does not intend to enforce this plan but will propose it as a recommendation. While addressing Congress, Trump hinted at actions to retrieve hostages from Gaza but refrained from discussing a ceasefire or specific plans concerning the region.
Currently, Israel is reportedly hindering the progress towards a ceasefire and is contemplating a renewed military offensive against Gaza, further complicating ongoing tensions and negotiations in the region.
In summary, the United States has rejected Egypt’s reconstruction plan for Gaza, aligning instead with President Trump’s vision that appears to promote the expulsion of Palestinians. While Egypt’s plan aims for a comprehensive reconstruction without the dislocation of the Palestinian population, the U.S. stance, alongside Trump’s remarks, suggests a shift towards a more forceful approach. Moving forward, the situation remains precarious as Israel continues to block ceasefire efforts and plans for potential military actions.
Original Source: thecradle.co
