Egypt Unveils a $53 Billion Reconstruction Plan for Gaza
Egypt has unveiled a $53 billion plan to reconstruct Gaza over five years, addressing emergency relief and economic development. The plan counters U.S. proposals for control and displacement of Gazans and includes phased implementation focusing on immediate needs and long-term infrastructure. It also proposes international oversight and training for Palestinian security forces.
Egypt has proposed a comprehensive $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza, intended to span five years. This initiative aims to prioritize emergency relief, restore infrastructure, and foster long-term economic development, as outlined in a draft document obtained by AFP. The proposal will be presented for discussion at an extraordinary Arab summit in Cairo, responding to a recent plan from US President Donald Trump, which sought to control Gaza and displace its Palestinian population, a move that was widely rejected by Palestinians and Arab nations.
The draft plan delineates two main phases: an early recovery phase and a reconstruction phase. The early recovery phase, which is anticipated to last six months and cost around $3 billion, will focus on clearing debris, removing mines and unexploded ordnance, and providing temporary housing solutions. Egypt envisions establishing seven sites within Gaza to accommodate over 1.5 million displaced individuals in temporary housing units, each designed to house an average of six people.
In the reconstruction phase, which is divided into two stages over four and a half years, the first stage will run until 2027 with a budget of $20 billion. This stage will concentrate on reconstructing essential infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and public services. It also proposes building 200,000 permanent housing units for 1.6 million people and reclaiming 20,000 acres of land. The second stage, extending to 2030 with an estimated cost of $30 billion, aims to complete existing infrastructure projects, construct an additional 200,000 housing units, and establish industrial zones, alongside a fishing port, seaport, and an airport.
To facilitate efficient funding and transparency, the plan suggests creating an internationally supervised trust fund. Additionally, Cairo intends to convene a high-level ministerial conference to engage donor countries, financial institutions, the private sector, and civil society groups in securing necessary funding. Furthermore, an independent Gaza administration committee will be established, comprising technocrats and non-partisan figures, to manage the territory for a transitional period of six months—a step toward the Palestinian Authority fully resuming control.
The proposal also addresses the ongoing training of Palestinian security forces by Egypt and Jordan, aiming to equip them for law enforcement duties in Gaza. It highlights the necessity of international and regional support for funding this initiative. Importantly, the plan raises the possibility of an international presence in the Palestinian territories, potentially through a UN Security Council resolution to deploy protection forces in Gaza and the West Bank, aligning with the broader objective of establishing a Palestinian state and strengthening its capabilities.
Moreover, the plan acknowledges the challenges posed by armed factions in Gaza and suggests that resolution lies in a credible political process, one that restores Palestinian rights and delineates a clear path forward.
In summary, Egypt’s proposed $53 billion plan for Gaza aims to facilitate comprehensive rebuilding and development over five years. It counters previous proposals by other nations by focusing on emergency relief, infrastructure rebuilding, and long-term sustainability while prioritizing Palestinian autonomy and rights.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
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