The Arab League has endorsed Egypt’s $53 billion Gaza reconstruction plan, presented by President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi. The plan focuses on rebuilding housing and infrastructure for Palestinians, with support from the UN and EU. Israel calls for Hamas disarmament as a ceasefire precondition, leading to tensions. The plan’s success hinges on funding from Gulf nations, which traditionally do not support Hamas.
An extraordinary meeting of the Arab League in Cairo resulted in the endorsement of Egypt’s $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi presented this five-year plan, emphasizing the need for a Palestinian state alongside efforts to keep Palestinians on their land. He asserted that true peace cannot be achieved through force.
For the ceasefire to progress, Israel demands the disarmament of Hamas, which the group has labeled a “red line.” The Israeli Foreign Ministry criticized the Cairo discussions for not reflecting the current realities following Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Details of the reconstruction plan include a six-month recovery phase, costing around $3 billion, to remove rubble and provide temporary housing. The first substantive phase aims to construct 200,000 housing units over two years, with an additional 200,000 units projected in a second phase. By 2030, the ultimate goal is to provide housing for up to three million people along with essential infrastructure like an airport and industrial zones.
President Sissi advocated for international backing of the reconstruction plan, receiving endorsements from both the United Nations and the European Union. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and EU Council President Antonio Costa expressed their support, emphasizing the necessity of the plan for alleviating suffering in Gaza and the West Bank.
Support also came from key Arab leaders. Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa commended Egypt’s initiative, and Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, attending his first summit since taking office, criticized previous proposals from the U.S.
Despite Hamas not being favored by potential funding sources like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, it voiced support for Egypt’s plan, highlighting the need for Arab intervention to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Current UN estimates indicate severe destruction with 70% of structures damaged or demolished, resulting in over 50 million tons of rubble in the territory.
The emergency summit aimed to counter U.S. President Trump’s controversial plans for Gaza that stirred regional discontent. Trump’s proposals included relocating two million Palestinians to Arab nations and transforming Gaza into a luxurious destination. President Sissi expressed confidence that Trump could still facilitate peace regarding Palestinian issues.
The Arab League’s endorsement of Egypt’s $53 billion plan marks a significant initiative for Gaza’s reconstruction. With critical backing from the UN and EU, the project aims to address extensive humanitarian needs while also navigating complex geopolitical tensions. The involvement of Arab states will be crucial for the plan’s success, particularly in securing the necessary funding and fostering stability in the region.
Original Source: www.dw.com
