Arab Leaders Support Egypt’s Counterproposal to Trump’s Gaza Plan
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi declared that Arab leaders have backed a counterproposal to Trump’s Gaza plan, focusing on retaining the Palestinian population and providing a reconstruction framework. The proposal emphasizes rebuilding rather than depopulation amid ongoing concerns regarding the ceasefire and potential humanitarian violations. The plan aims for a comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian cause while highlighting the necessity for international cooperation in facilitating peace.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi announced on Friday that Arab leaders have officially supported a counterproposal to U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial Gaza plan. This new initiative seeks to maintain the existing Palestinian population of approximately 2 million and focuses on reconstruction rather than depopulation. The acceptance of this plan by Israel and the United States remains uncertain.
During a summit held in Cairo on Tuesday, key Arab leaders, including the emir of Qatar and the foreign minister of Saudi Arabia, convened to discuss postwar plans for Gaza. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres also participated in the discussions. The continuation of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, however, is in question amidst these negotiations.
Israel has been pursuing an alternative proposal concerning ceasefire arrangements while ensuring the release of hostages taken during Hamas’s attack earlier this month. At present, Israel has restricted the entry of crucial supplies into Gaza to compel Hamas’s compliance with its new proposals, prompting widespread criticism regarding potential violations of international humanitarian laws.
Egypt’s detailed reconstruction plan, which amounts to $53 billion and aims for completion by 2030, envisions rebuilding Gaza without displacing its inhabitants. Key phases include clearing debris, setting up temporary housing, and recycling rubble for urban expansion. Future developments involve constructing eco-friendly residential areas, agricultural zones, and essential infrastructure like airports and ports.
Under the proposed plan, Hamas would relinquish governance to an interim administration of independents until a reformed Palestinian Authority takes over. Egyptian President el-Sissi emphasized the plan as vital for the Palestinian people to rebuild and maintain their presence in the region, advocating for a peaceful resolution through acknowledging Palestinian statehood.
An early draft statement from the summit sought a ‘permanent and just solution’ regarding the Palestinian issue, as well as the deployment of international peacekeepers, although this mention was later removed from the final draft. Israel, however, remains opposed to reestablishing the Palestinian Authority’s role in Gaza.
In the midst of this political backdrop, Trump’s recent comments advocating for relocating Palestinian refugees have met with significant rejection from regional players like Jordan and Egypt. Despite these dynamics, King Abdullah II of Jordan did facilitate medical assistance for a few children from Gaza
The ongoing military conflict initiated by Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7 has caused immense casualties and significant destruction in Gaza. As of current reports, over 48,000 Palestinians have died amid the offensive, with the humanitarian crisis leading to mass displacements and dire living conditions for those remaining in the territory.
Egypt’s initiative seeks to emerge as a substantial alternative to Trump’s strategy for Gaza, underscoring its commitment to reconstructing the region and promoting a framework for achieving a long-term sustainable resolution to the Palestinian crisis.
In summary, the Arab leaders’ endorsement of Egypt’s reconstruction plan for Gaza presents a significant counter perspective to Trump’s proposal for the territory. The outlined approach emphasizes retaining the Palestinian population and restoring Gaza, while addressing humanitarian needs. While the feasibility of this plan is subject to international acceptance and compliance from involved parties, it reflects a strategic shift towards fostering regional stability and addressing the longstanding Palestinian issue.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
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