The Arab League’s recent Cairo Summit introduced a $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza, marking a unified Arab approach contingent on Israel’s ceasefire compliance. This initiative emphasizes Palestinian governance and support for a two-state solution while opposing Israeli settlement expansion. The plan reflects ongoing tensions regarding Hamas and the necessity of cooperation from Israel for successful implementation.
On March 4, the Arab League convened an Emergency Summit in Cairo, where they approved a $53 billion Egyptian plan aimed at the reconstruction of Gaza, aligning it as a “comprehensive Arab strategy”. This development occurred following Israel’s decision to suspend all humanitarian aid to Gaza, post the first phase of the Israel-Hamas Agreement. The Cairo Declaration, marking the first collective Arab initiative for Gaza’s recovery, is contingent upon the complete adherence to the ceasefire agreement, particularly by Israel.
The Cairo Declaration builds upon the previous Bahrain Declaration made during the Arab League Summit in Manama in May 2024. It proposes the establishment of a “Gaza administration committee,” composed of skilled Gazans for a transitional period. Additionally, it establishes a “trust fund” to support recovery initiatives while promising comprehensive financial, political, and material backing for Egypt-led reconstruction initiatives, which are based on comprehensive assessments by the World Bank and the UN Development Fund.
Echoing previous declarations, the Cairo proposal reiterates the necessity of United Nations peacekeeping forces in Gaza and the West Bank. A notable aspect of this plan is its endorsement of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, remaining consistent with the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002. It firmly establishes that Arab acceptance of Israeli sovereignty is inherently tied to the establishment of a Palestinian state located within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Furthermore, the Declaration emphasizes the importance of uniting all Palestinian factions under the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which is recognized as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, notwithstanding its lack of inclusion of Hamas. Notably, the Cairo Declaration omits direct references to Hamas, signaling a potential for the group’s continued presence during a transitional period.
Hamas welcomed the Cairo Declaration, particularly due to the proposed fresh elections, as they had previously gained a majority in the 2006 elections. The ongoing situation regarding Hamas’s potential electoral success remains a concern, given its durable popularity in Gaza, despite a decrease in its experienced fighters.
The Declaration categorically opposes the notion of “ethnic cleansing” of Palestinians while recognizing Jordan and Egypt’s significant roles in addressing displacement issues. This stance directly counters Trump’s controversial proposal regarding the relocation of Gaza’s displaced population to these countries, reaffirming Arab demands for Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza as a prerequisite for a sustainable peace.
Moving forward, the peace process in Palestine is expected to commence with a complete halt to Israeli military operations, followed by the implementation of the reconstruction and governance plan, which requires consensus from all stakeholders, including Israel and Hamas. The Cairo Declaration is a foundational document for a scenario that remains untested, and its feasibility hinges largely on cooperation from Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s policies, particularly regarding Hamas’s status, remain a significant hurdle.
Although the Cairo Declaration reiterates calls for a two-state solution, its practical implementation appears increasingly unlikely due to ongoing Israeli settlement expansions in the West Bank. The surge in settlements directly undermines any viable path towards establishment of a Palestinian state, intensifying the challenges for future negotiations.
The Cairo Declaration presents an ambitious and unified Arab strategy for Gaza’s reconstruction, leaning heavily on the need for a ceasefire and collaborative governance. While it advocates for Palestinian unity and a two-state solution, the success of these proposals largely depends on Israel’s willingness to engage constructively. With increasing Israeli settlements posing additional barriers, achieving meaningful progress in the peace process remains uncertain.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
