Arab leaders have backed Egypt’s plan for Gaza’s reconstruction, allowing Palestinians to remain without displacement. Egyptian President el-Sissi acknowledges regional support for a just settlement of the conflict. However, U.S. officials and Israeli representatives criticize the plan, favoring a resolution that involves relocating the population. The ongoing war has resulted in a humanitarian disaster, underscoring the urgency for effective solutions.
Arab leaders convened on Tuesday to endorse Egypt’s postwar plan for the Gaza Strip, which supports the continuation of life for approximately 2 million Palestinians without their displacement. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi expressed gratitude for the consensus among Arab states in favor of constructing a framework that seeks a just settlement of the Palestinian issue, thereby ensuring the security and stability of the region.
The initial response from the White House, however, was dismissive of the Egyptian proposal. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes characterized the plan as unviable due to the current intolerable living conditions in Gaza, asserting that President Trump remains committed to his vision for rebuilding Gaza in a manner free of Hamas’s influence.
In a critique of the Egyptian initiative, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein indicated that the proposal does not adequately address the complexities of the situation, especially the absence of mention regarding Hamas’ previous attacks. Marmorstein reaffirmed Israel’s backing of Trump’s plan to relocate Gaza’s population and described the Egyptian perspective as outdated.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, condemned Israel’s objections as “unacceptable,” advocating for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in line with international law. He emphasized that true peace in the region is impossible without addressing Palestinian sovereignty, asserting that no state should impose its will worldwide.
Hamas expressed its satisfaction with the decisions made during the summit, viewing them as a significant alignment with Arab support for the Palestinian cause, particularly against any plans to dislocate Palestinians from Gaza or the occupied West Bank. Israel continues to pursue an alternative U.S. proposal for a ceasefire, which entails Hamas releasing hostages taken during the recent conflict.
Egypt’s reconstruction strategy anticipates completion by 2030, emphasizing rebuilding efforts without relocating the current residents. It outlines initial phases of debris removal and recovery from military destruction while proposing the construction of sustainable living spaces, agricultural restoration, and infrastructure development, including ports and an airport.
The Egyptian initiative also envisions a transitional governance structure led by independent officials until a new Palestinian Authority can be established. However, Israel remains opposed to the Palestinian Authority’s involvement, insisting on Hamas disarmament before engaging with any governance framework.
President Trump previously suggested the resettlement of Gaza’s Palestinian population, aiming to redevelop the area into a resort destination. This proposal has faced adamant resistance and criticism from various international observers and rights groups. The ongoing conflict, sparked by a Hamas assault on Israel, has resulted in significant casualties and devastation in Gaza, compounding the humanitarian crisis.
In conclusion, the endorsement of Egypt’s postwar plan by Arab leaders contrasts sharply with U.S. and Israeli responses, highlighting diverging approaches to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While Egypt advocates for Palestinian resettlement and infrastructure rebuilding without displacement, the U.S. maintains its vision of a Gaza free from Hamas. The road ahead remains fraught with challenges, as reunifying Palestinian governance and achieving international consensus are pivotal for any meaningful resolution to the crisis.
Original Source: www.washingtonpost.com
