Egypt is devising a plan to rebuild Gaza, opposing Trump’s call for depopulation. The plan focuses on creating secure areas for Palestinians while addressing severe infrastructure damage from the ongoing conflict. Egypt is engaging with international partners to fund and implement this effort, aiming to restore essential services and governance in Gaza.

Egypt is formulating a reconstruction plan for Gaza, opposing President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal for the area’s depopulation. The plan aims to create secure zones for Palestinians while international efforts are made to restore essential infrastructure demolished during the conflict. In the wake of significant destruction from the ongoing turmoil, returning residents confront severe shortages of basic necessities such as water, food, and electricity.

The catastrophic aftermath of 500 days of war, initiated by Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, has left vast areas of northern Gaza in ruins. Drone footage reveals complete devastation, with flattened buildings and homeless residents navigating the wreckage. International calls against Trump’s plan have intensified, as 2 million Palestinians face potential displacement, an idea criticized as forced expulsion by rights groups and rejected by various Arab leaders.

Officials from Egypt are currently engaging with diplomatic counterparts from Europe, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE to refine the reconstruction plan and determine funding strategies, including a prospective international conference dedicated to Gaza’s recovery. The Egyptian initiative aims to counteract Trump’s argument and avoid altering Gaza’s demographic structure.

An integral part of Egypt’s proposal includes establishing a governing Palestinian administration distinct from Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, facilitating a clear path towards reconstruction and governance. This administration would coordinate efforts to restore the territory while ensuring the presence of a police force comprised of former Police Authority members.

Additionally, discussions regarding the involvement of an Arab military presence in Gaza hinge on establishing a clear path to an independent Palestinian state, emphasizing that Israel must ultimately agree to such a proposal. Amid these negotiations, Hamas has shown a willingness to step aside from governance in favor of a unity government without its participation.

European nations, including France and Germany, are supporting the idea for Arab states to contribute a counterplan to Trump’s strategy. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi has consulted with his European counterparts regarding this reconstruction effort, further solidifying Egypt’s leadership role in this initiative.

In light of the extensive destruction with a reported $30 billion in infrastructure damage in Gaza, Egypt’s reconstruction scheme is structured in three phases over five years. This includes establishing designated “safe zones” within Gaza during the initial recovery period, which will provide temporary shelter and humanitarian relief for affected residents, while facilitating employment through rebuilding efforts led by various international firms.

In summary, Egypt’s reconstruction plan for Gaza seeks to restore infrastructure while simultaneously preserving the Palestinian population against proposals for their removal. By collaborating with international partners and establishing a Palestinian administration, Egypt aims to assert a more humane response to the ongoing conflict and its aftermath. This initiative follows widespread condemnation of Trump’s depopulation proposal and highlights the necessity for regional cooperation in the reconstruction effort.

Original Source: apnews.com

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