Arab leaders have adopted an Egyptian reconstruction plan for Gaza, costing $53 billion and aimed at avoiding Palestinian displacement. Proposed by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the plan focuses on temporary governance by Palestinian technocrats. Key challenges include securing funding from Gulf states, resolving Hamas’s role, and ensuring international support for stabilization in the region.
At a recent summit in Cairo, Arab leaders endorsed an Egyptian reconstruction plan for Gaza, proposed at a cost of $53 billion, which aims to avoid displacing Palestinians. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi confirmed the plan’s acceptance, emphasizing the necessity of cooperation with Palestinians for a governance framework in Gaza. This contrasts starkly with U.S. President Donald Trump’s concept of a “Middle East Riviera,” which included resettlement plans for Palestinians.
Sisi highlighted the establishment of an administrative committee composed of professional Palestinian technocrats to manage Gaza temporarily until the Palestinian Authority (PA) could reinstate governance. The fundamental challenges ahead include defining control over Gaza and securing substantial funding for reconstruction efforts. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed support for the Egyptian initiative, advocating against displacing residents, and noted his willingness to call for elections under suitable conditions.
Funding for the Gaza reconstruction will likely depend heavily on financing from wealthy Gulf states such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The UAE’s position is critical as it views Hamas as a security threat, advocating for the group’s prompt disarmament. On the other hand, some Arab nations propose a gradual disarmament process as a viable path forward. Saudi Arabia emphasized the need for international assurances regarding a sustainable ceasefire.
Hamas, led by officials who reject disarmament demands, has maintained control over Gaza since ousting the PA in 2007. The group asserts that its right to resist remains fundamental and firmly opposes foreign oversight. Egypt and Gulf states have worked on alternatives to U.S. reconstruction strategies, fearing that resettling Palestinians could destabilize the region.
The proposed Egyptian plan outlines a comprehensive modernization project for Gaza, envisioning upgraded housing, recreational facilities, and essential infrastructure like a harbor and airport. Israeli concerns focus on ongoing efforts to dismantle Hamas’s military structure. The Israeli government has made it clear that any agreement with Hamas must immediately include provisions for disarmament; otherwise, it would not be acceptable.
Arab states have opted for Egypt’s reconstruction framework over Trump’s controversial plan for Gaza, solidifying their collaborative approach to regional stability. The acceptance of this Egyptian proposal aims to address the pressing humanitarian needs without causing further displacement of Palestinians. The success heavily relies on Gulf states’ financial involvement and the political landscape in Gaza, particularly concerning the fate of Hamas as a governing force.
Original Source: www.cbc.ca
