The article discusses the challenges facing Gaza’s reconstruction post-conflict, emphasizing the need for a clear distinction between resistance and Hamas’s actions that threaten Palestinian interests. Egypt’s recent proposals focus on ensuring stability without displacing residents, advocating for a political framework that excludes Hamas. The reconstruction is estimated to cost $60 billion, with significant involvement from international donors, requiring coordination with the Palestinian Authority for effective governance. Egypt aims to align reconstruction efforts with broader peace strategies while ensuring that the Palestinian cause remains intact.
The post-war situation in Gaza presents significant challenges, particularly in terms of reconstruction and reviving the long-dormant peace process since the Oslo Accords. It is essential to differentiate the legitimate right to resist occupation from Hamas’s actions, which have historically undermined both the Palestinian people and the broader Palestinian cause. Over twenty years, Gaza has faced destruction multiple times due to Hamas’s misguided ambitions, necessitating billions in reconstruction funds from Gulf and Arab nations. This latest devastation is unprecedented, with approximately 60,000 fatalities, over 120,000 injuries, and 90% of Gaza’s infrastructure in ruins. Rebuilding efforts are projected to cost around $60 billion, according to a United Nations report.
At the recent Arab Summit in Cairo, Egypt proposed a reconstruction plan emphasizing that Gaza’s residents should not be displaced. This response directly counters former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians while transforming Gaza into a desirable destination. Trump’s recent AI-generated video, depicting Gaza as a luxurious locale, has provoked significant backlash among Palestinian and Arab communities. Egypt’s reconstruction proposal is anchored on the principle that “Gaza cannot be rebuilt while Hamas remains in power,” addressing past funding shortfalls due to Hamas’s governance. Supporters of this plan advocate for a political framework that possesses international legitimacy while sidelining Hamas from political and administrative control in Gaza.
The conflict that began on October 7 has led to a critical understanding: Hamas represents not only a challenge for Palestinians but for the entire region. Future rebuilding efforts must ensure that yet another cycle of devastation does not occur, necessitating Hamas’s removal from power. Nevertheless, this objective presents complexities, as Hamas wields considerable military power within Gaza and acknowledges some vulnerability among its allies. Shortly after the Arab Summit’s conclusion, Hamas expressed support for the reconstruction initiative and advocated for new Palestinian elections. A significant development arose during Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s address, which removed barriers to electoral processes by granting amnesty to dismissed movement members, including potential presidential contender Mohammed Dahlan.
The Egyptian reconstruction plan aims to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, clearing the debris from months of extensive airstrikes while establishing foundations for long-term stability. Efforts include practical strategies for reconstruction, such as selecting appropriate companies, integrating solar energy solutions, and recycling debris, all while ensuring safety from unexploded ordnance and locating missing individuals. These efforts are closely linked to essential political reforms within the Palestinian Authority (PA) to secure international donor support, including potential funding from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Discussions are underway regarding a temporary Palestinian administration composed of non-affiliated technocrats to oversee the management of significant funding from the reconstruction efforts, alongside international collaboration involving organizations like the UN and stakeholders such as the United States, Russia, and China.
For Egyptian policymakers, Gaza reconstruction must align with a broader peace strategy that addresses mutual security concerns while preventing further occupation or forced displacement of residents. Egypt remains committed to humanitarian efforts while strategically navigating the challenges posed by the situation, maintaining a strict stance that mass displacements of Palestinians into Egypt are unacceptable. Such actions, beyond their humanitarian toll, would fundamentally dismantle the Palestinian cause, undermining the people’s intrinsic rights to their land.
In conclusion, the reconstruction of Gaza presents complex challenges requiring a detailed plan that safeguards the rights and livelihoods of Palestinians while ensuring Hamas’s political influence is diminished. Egypt’s initiative aims to provide humanitarian aid and establish a sustainable framework for peace and governance. This multifaceted approach highlights the necessity for international cooperation and the involvement of various stakeholders pivotal in ensuring that Gaza does not enter another cycle of violence. Egypt’s commitment to preventing mass displacement remains a central tenet of this reconstruction effort, underscoring the necessity to protect Palestinian identity and rights.
Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com
