Egypt Proposes Reconstruction Plan for Gaza and Seeks Global Support

In a significant diplomatic move, Egypt has unveiled a comprehensive reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip, aiming to garner international support as the region grapples with the aftermath of ongoing conflict. The Egyptian foreign minister, Badr Abdel-Atti, revealed the details of the approximately 90-page proposal following a summit in Cairo, which involved key Arab nations and international representatives.

The reconstruction initiative is designed to counter the controversial proposals put forth by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which have drawn criticism for their approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Egypt's plan outlines a five-year timeline, beginning with the removal of rubble from destroyed areas, followed by the construction of temporary and permanent housing for displaced Palestinians. The estimated cost of this extensive rebuilding effort is around EUR50 billion, a figure that aligns with estimates from the United Nations for the reconstruction of the heavily damaged coastal territory.

To ensure effective governance during the transitional phase, the plan proposes the establishment of a Palestinian technocratic committee that would oversee Gaza for six months. This governance would occur under the auspices of the Palestinian Authority (PA), led by President Mahmoud Abbas, who seeks a direct transfer of power from the current control held by Hamas. However, the Hamas organization, which has maintained power in Gaza since a violent takeover in 2007, has shown reluctance to relinquish its authority or disarm.

The Palestinian Authority's Fatah faction has expressed its opposition to any power-sharing arrangement with Hamas, advocating instead for a complete takeover by the PA. Meanwhile, Israel has firmly rejected the possibility of Hamas participating in any post-war governance structures, maintaining that the group's violent actions, including the devastating attack in October 2023, disqualify them from a legitimate political role.

In a notable response to the Cairo summit, Hamas welcomed the commitment of the conference attendees to oppose the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza, viewing the reconstruction plans favorably. Conversely, an Israeli foreign ministry spokesperson criticized the summit for neglecting the realities following the October conflict, arguing that the discussions were based on outdated perspectives and failing to hold Hamas accountable for its actions.

Trump's recent proposals have included ambitious plans to transform Gaza into a prosperous region, likening it to a 'Riviera of the East', but have faced backlash for suggesting the relocation of Palestinians to neighboring Arab countries. The severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, compounded by the high death toll and extensive destruction from the conflict, has led to widespread disapproval of Trump's rhetoric and proposals.

The Egyptian plan envisions the construction of hundreds of thousands of new housing units to accommodate three million residents by 2030, as well as the establishment of an airport and a seaport. Additionally, it aims to create industrial zones, hotels, parks, and beaches to stimulate tourism in the war-torn area.

Furthermore, the plan advocates for renewed dialogue between Israeli and Palestinian authorities, reiterating the necessity of a two-state solution. However, given the current state of hostilities, such negotiations appear unlikely in the near future.

During the Cairo summit, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi hosted leaders from various nations, including the King of Bahrain and the Emir of Qatar, alongside UN Secretary-General António Guterres and EU Council President António Costa. Guterres highlighted the immense suffering endured by the Palestinian people, emphasizing the urgent need for international support.

In the closing statement of the summit, participants urged the UN Security Council to consider deploying peacekeeping forces to both Gaza and the West Bank, a move that could enhance security for both Palestinians and Israelis, paving the way toward establishing a Palestinian state.

In light of ongoing tensions, Hamas has reiterated its refusal to disarm, labeling any demands for demilitarization as a 'red line' in negotiations regarding the continuation of the ceasefire agreement. Israeli officials have indicated a willingness to progress to the next phase of the ceasefire, contingent upon the release of hostages and the complete disarmament of Gaza.