Arab leaders endorsed Egypt’s $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza, allowing its population to remain in the territory. The plan is intended to counter Trump’s proposal for population relocation. Egyptian President el-Sisi emphasized collaboration for peace, while Israel and the White House expressed concerns over Hamas’s governance and the implications of the plan.

Arab leaders convened in Cairo on Tuesday, endorsing Egypt’s $53 billion plan for the reconstruction of Gaza. This strategy aims to ensure that the approximately 2 million Palestinians residing in the enclave are not displaced. The proposal counters former President Trump’s controversial plan, which suggested depopulating Gaza to transform it into a resort area.

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt expressed support for the reconstruction initiative, emphasizing the need for its implementation alongside broader peace efforts. He highlighted the importance of achieving a comprehensive resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which includes establishing a Palestinian state for lasting stability in the region.

Egypt’s plan envisions the reconstruction of Gaza by 2030, focusing initially on removing more than 50 million tons of rubble and unexploded ordnance caused by military actions. In subsequent phases, the plan includes developing sustainable housing, revitalizing agricultural areas, and creating industrial and recreational spaces, as well as reopening an airport and ports that were once part of the Oslo Accords.

The proposal received favorable remarks from Hamas, which welcomed the rejection of plans to displace Palestinians, yet it encountered condemnation from Israel. Israeli officials criticized the plan for overlooking the realities following Hamas’s recent attacks and reiterated their support for the Trump plan of relocating Gaza’s population.

The White House weighed in, acknowledging the input from Arab nations, but insisted that Hamas’s governance in Gaza must cease. The U.S. administration advocated for an interim government to take over until a reformed Palestinian Authority is established, maintaining a hard stance against Hamas’s continuation in power.

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit stated that the approved plan calls for deploying an international peacekeeping force in Gaza and the West Bank, reinforcing the need for stability and security in the region. A draft of the reconstruction plan suggests establishing temporary housing for residents while recycling debris to expand Gaza’s land area.

Last month, former President Trump surprised many with his suggestion for relocating Gaza’s population to other countries and transforming the region into a resort. This proposal faced significant backlash from Palestinians and Arab leaders, who condemned it as contrary to international law and detrimental to the peace process.

In summary, Arab leaders have unanimously supported Egypt’s strategic $53 billion plan for Gaza’s reconstruction, which seeks to ensure that its population remains within the territory. The plan emphasizes development without displacement and calls for international cooperation to achieve regional stability and a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, it faces opposition from Israel and concerns from the United States about Hamas’s governance, highlighting the ongoing complexities in the region. The endorsement of the reconstruction plan signifies a significant diplomatic effort toward a peaceful resolution, while the rejection of alternative relocation plans illustrates the sensitivities surrounding Palestinian rights and aspirations.

Original Source: www.euronews.com

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