The Arab plan for Gaza’s reconstruction estimates $53 billion is needed, focusing on Palestinian Authority control and disregarding key questions about Hamas and governance. The proposal has faced rejection from the White House and Israel, raising concerns about its feasibility. The plan outlines a strategic three-phase reconstruction process, aiming for completion by 2030 and calling for international cooperation.
The Arab plan for Gaza’s reconstruction emphasizes a necessity of $53 billion, as stated in a recent joint UN-EU-World Bank report. This ambitious plan faced criticism for lacking clarity on critical issues like Hamas governance, future funding sources, and schedules. Additionally, the White House and Israel rejected this proposal, highlighting the need for a viable approach that addresses Gaza’s humanitarian situation.
The Arab states, led by Egypt, presented this comprehensive roadmap during an emergency summit in Cairo, seeking to establish Palestinian Authority control in Gaza and counter President Trump’s redevelopment vision. The plan, labeled “Gaza 2030,” calls for international support for reconstruction while addressing governance concerns.
Arab nations urged the international community to provide immediate support but did not specify funding sources, which might include contributions from European nations and affluent Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Experts raised concerns that the plan lacks feasibility, pointing to the unresolved future of Hamas and Israel’s approval for the Palestinian Authority’s return to Gaza.
Israel criticized the proposal as outdated and insufficiently responsive to recent conflicts. Additionally, they stressed that before any financial aid discussions occur, Hamas must release all remaining Israeli hostages. An international conference is set for later this month in Cairo to address early recovery efforts, emphasizing the need for coordinated international responses.
The reconstruction plan consists of three phases, ultimately aiming to complete by 2030. The first phase focuses on clearing debris in six months at a cost of $3 billion, with temporary housing for displaced individuals. The second phase will invest $20 billion over two years to develop housing and restore critical infrastructure for 1.6 million residents.
The final phase spans two and a half years, with a budget of $30 billion to establish necessary infrastructure for 3 million people. Notably, the proposal does not outline Hamas’s role, instead suggesting a transitional administration managed by technocrats. The Arab states advocate for future Palestinian elections, contingent on improved conditions, which Hamas has publicly supported, expressing a need for representation and leadership decisions.
In summary, the Arab proposal for Gaza’s reconstruction, requiring $53 billion, has sparked significant debate due to its lack of clarity on key governance issues, particularly concerning Hamas. Criticism from Israel and the White House indicates challenges ahead. The three-phase plan outlines a systematic approach to rebuild Gaza, emphasizing international cooperation and a future return of Palestinian Authority governance. The success of this plan depends on resolving complex political questions, including Hamas’s role and support from the international community.
Original Source: www.nbcmiami.com
