Arab Leaders Endorse Egyptian Counterproposal for Gaza Postwar Plan
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi announced that Arab leaders approved a counterproposal allowing 2 million Palestinians to remain in Gaza, contrasting President Trump’s plan to depopulate the territory. The 112-page Egyptian initiative emphasizes reconstruction by 2030 and cedes power to an interim administration. El-Sissi stressed the necessity of establishing a Palestinian state for lasting peace amid uncertain acceptance by Israel and the US.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi announced that Arab leaders have approved a counterproposal regarding the Gaza Strip, which allows for the continuation of life for approximately 2 million Palestinians in the territory. This agreement, reached during a summit in Cairo, opposes President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to depopulate Gaza and transform it into a resort area. The acceptance of this Egyptian plan by Israel or the United States remains uncertain.
During the Cairo summit, leaders from several Arab nations, including Qatar and the UAE, joined in support of a strategic postwar plan that aims to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid faltering peace efforts. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also participated in discussions about a potential ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas, amidst threats of renewed conflict from Israel.
The proposed Egyptian plan envisions a comprehensive $53 billion reconstruction initiative aimed at rebuilding Gaza by 2030 while ensuring the current population remains. The plan includes clearing debris from Israeli airstrikes, creating temporary housing, and transforming urban infrastructure into sustainable developments with renewable energy sources. Long-term, plans for an airport, a commercial port, and improvements to agricultural land are also envisioned.
Hamas, currently governing Gaza, would cede power to an interim administration made up of politically independent individuals until a reformed Palestinian Authority can regain authority. However, Israel opposes any involvement of the Palestinian Authority and demands Hamas disarmament as a prerequisite for peace.
President el-Sissi emphasized the need for a serious and effective political process leading to peace based on international legal resolutions. He stated, “There will be no true peace without the establishment of the Palestinian state.” The discussions at the summit aimed to establish a permanent and just solution to the Palestinian cause, although subsequent drafts excluded references to deploying international peacekeepers in the region.
The summit is seen as a critical move for Egypt to present a viable alternative to Trump’s plan and emphasizes reconstruction in Gaza while promoting the aim of a two-state solution. In related developments, Jordan has begun accepting Palestinian children for medical treatment following the war’s outbreak after the October 7 attack by Hamas, which resulted in significant casualties on both sides.
In conclusion, the endorsement of a counterproposal to President Trump’s Gaza plan by Arab leaders underlines a collective regional commitment to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and foster a long-term peace strategy. President el-Sissi’s initiative prioritizes reconstruction and the Palestinian population’s right to remain, challenging the implications of resettlement and demographic shifts proposed by external powers. While cooperation is evident among Arab nations, the ultimate acceptance of this plan by Israel and the US is critical for its success.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
Post Comment