Arab Leaders Endorse Egyptian Plan for Gaza Reconstruction
A New Vision for Gaza’s Future
In a significant move to counter U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to depopulate the Gaza Strip and transform it into a beach destination, Arab leaders gathered in Cairo on Tuesday to endorse Egypt’s postwar reconstruction plan. The plan, championed by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, aims to rebuild the war-torn Gaza Strip by 2030 while ensuring its nearly 2 million Palestinian residents remain in their homeland. This initiative directly opposes Trump’s suggestion to resettle Gaza’s population elsewhere, a proposal widely criticized as unfeasible and potentially illegal under international law.
The Egyptian plan, valued at $53 billion, outlines a phased approach to reconstruction. The first stage focuses on removing unexploded ordnance and clearing over 50 million tons of rubble left by Israel’s military offensives. Temporary housing units will be established to accommodate Gaza’s population during the rebuilding process, with plans to reuse rubble as landfill to expand coastal areas. The long-term vision includes creating sustainable, green, and walkable urban spaces, equipped with renewable energy, renovated agricultural lands, and industrial zones. The plan also calls for the construction of an airport, a fishing port, and a commercial port—projects originally envisioned in the Oslo peace accords of the 1990s but never realized.
Political and Humanitarian Challenges Ahead
While the Arab leaders’ endorsement marks a significant step forward, the plan’s success faces numerous challenges. Israel has yet to accept the proposal, and its government has made it clear that it will maintain open-ended security control over Gaza and the West Bank, territories it captured in the 1967 Mideast war. Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has embraced Trump’s depopulation plan, further complicating the path to consensus. Additionally, the plan requires Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza, to cede power to an interim administration of political independents until a reformed Palestinian Authority can take over. Hamas has expressed willingness to transfer governance to other Palestinians but has refused to disarm until a Palestinian state is established.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with Israel’s recent suspension of aid drawing widespread condemnation. Human rights groups argue that the blockade violates Israel’s obligations as an occupying power under international law. The suspension was part of Israel’s effort to pressure Hamas into accepting a new ceasefire proposal, which includes the release of half its remaining hostages in exchange for a truce extension and negotiations for a lasting peace. However, Israel’s refusal to release more Palestinian prisoners, a key demand of the first phase of the original plan, has further complicated the negotiations.
International Reactions and Support
The international community has expressed mixed reactions to the Egyptian plan. The European Union (EU) has voiced strong support, rejecting any attempts at demographic or territorial changes in Gaza or elsewhere. EU officials have reaffirmed their commitment to the two-state solution, where Palestine and Israel can coexist peacefully. Meanwhile, the United States and Israel have yet to endorse the plan, with Netanyahu describing Trump’s proposal as “creative” and “innovative.”
A senior European official attending the summit emphasized the EU’s readiness to provide “concrete support” for Egypt’s initiative, calling it a necessary step toward peace. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, also attended the summit, signaling the international community’s interest in finding a sustainable solution to the Gaza crisis.
The Role of Arab Countries in the Reconstruction Effort
Egypt’s plan is not just a reconstruction blueprint but also a strategic effort to counter Trump’s depopulation proposal and reassert Arab leadership in the region’s peace process. The summit in Cairo included key regional players such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, whose financial and political backing is crucial for the plan’s implementation. Qatar, in particular, has been a major supporter of humanitarian efforts in Gaza, while Saudi Arabia’s influence in the Arab League adds weight to the initiative.
The plan also seeks to address broader regional dynamics. Egypt, long a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, is positioning itself as a key player in postwar reconstruction efforts. By presenting a credible alternative to Trump’s plan, Egypt hopes to reassure Israel and the United States while maintaining Arab unity on the Palestinian issue.
The Path to Peace and the Palestinian State
President el-Sissi emphasized that the plan “preserves the right of the Palestinian people to rebuild their nation and guarantees their existence on their land.” He called for a parallel path to peace, insisting that “there will be no true peace without the establishment of the Palestinian state.” These remarks reflect a growing consensus among Arab leaders that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to a lasting and just peace in the region.
However, the road ahead remains fraught with obstacles. Israel’s opposition to Palestinian statehood, coupled with its insistence on maintaining security control over Gaza and the West Bank, poses a significant challenge to the Egyptian plan. Additionally, the proposal’s success hinges on Hamas’s willingness to relinquish power and on the United States and Israel’s willingness to engage with the initiative.
Conclusion: A Fragile Hope for Gaza’s Future
The endorsement of Egypt’s reconstruction plan by Arab leaders offers a glimmer of hope for Gaza’s future, but the path to implementation is uncertain. The plan’s success will depend on the ability of Arab nations, the international community, and Israel to find common ground and commit to a viable
