Arab foreign ministers are set to visit Washington, aiming to present a robust plan for rebuilding Gaza that does not involve the displacement of Palestinians. This comes in response to President Trump’s controversial proposal for relocation. Key issues will also address post-war governance and required reforms in the Palestinian Authority. The collaborative efforts of Arab leaders emphasize the urgency and unity in addressing the Gaza crisis.
Arab foreign ministers are preparing to visit Washington in the coming weeks to present a comprehensive plan aimed at rebuilding Gaza while ensuring the Palestinian population remains in place. This initiative follows President Trump’s earlier controversial proposal to relocate 2.1 million Palestinians from Gaza, which was met with widespread outrage across the Middle East and strong rejections from regional leaders.
In a significant gathering in Cairo planned for March 4, Arab leaders are expected to issue a ‘road map’ addressing the Gaza situation and the broader conflict. It is essential for Arab diplomats to ensure their proposal is robust before submission to the Trump administration, focusing on sustainable rebuilding without displacing residents.
The counterproposal will also cover governance in Gaza post-war, necessary reforms within the Palestinian Authority, and the potential deployment of peacekeeping forces. However, the composition of such forces has yet to be established.
Recently, Arab leaders engaged in an informal meeting in Riyadh to discuss the impending plan, emphasizing a unified approach. Jordan and Egypt, both nations Trump suggested as potential recipients for displaced Palestinians, firmly oppose any form of displacement, viewing it as a threat to their national security.
A Jordanian official remarked, “Our position is firm and clear, and we won’t accept any threat to our national security,” highlighting the seriousness with which Jordan maintains its stance against displacing Palestinians. This has been reiterated by Jordanian officials who see any displacement as a potential cause for conflict.
Concerns regarding escalating violence in the West Bank and Jerusalem during the upcoming Ramadan are also prevalent among Jordanian leaders. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly recently stated his belief that Egypt could rebuild Gaza within three years to even better standards than prior to the conflict, although no specific methodologies were provided.
While a consistent ceasefire would indeed facilitate this timeline, the World Bank and other organizations have projected that returning essential services might require three years alone, with total restoration taking up to a decade and totaling over $50 billion, including $15 billion specifically for housing. The Egyptian plan, however, intends to incorporate these estimates into their timeline.
In summary, Arab foreign ministers are focused on developing a comprehensive plan for Gaza that prioritizes the retention of the Palestinian population and the sustainable rebuilding of the region. This initiative coincides with tensions surrounding potential displacement scenarios proposed by President Trump. The collaborative discussions among Arab leaders underscore their commitment to addressing the complexities of governance, security, and humanitarian needs in Gaza. While timelines for rebuilding vary among officials, the significant estimates provided by international organizations highlight the magnitude of the task ahead, underscoring the need for concerted efforts from regional and global stakeholders.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
