The Arab League endorses Egypt’s $53 billion Gaza reconstruction plan, emphasizing a commitment to Palestinian rights and a two-state solution, while rejecting Trump’s controversial proposals for Gaza. The plan will require significant funding and determines governance amid scrutiny of Hamas’s future role. Israel challenges the plan, proposing its measures in response to ongoing hostilities, revealing the complexities of the region’s politics.

On March 4, 2025, members of the Arab League endorsed Egypt’s significant $53 billion plan aimed at reconstructing Gaza over a five-year period. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the League’s secretary-general, noted that “The Egypt plan is now an Arab plan.” The summation from the emergency Arab League summit underscored a commitment to a two-state solution, emphasizing Palestinian rights and rejecting any proposals that may lead to population displacement, such as those suggested by former President Donald Trump.

President Trump’s controversial proposal involved the United States taking control of Gaza, which included plans to clear the area, construct luxury properties, and encourage the relocation of nearly 2 million Palestinians to neighboring countries. This idea has faced staunch opposition from Egypt, Jordan, and other Arab nations, marking a significant departure from the traditional US support for a two-state resolution and presenting violations of international laws.

Egypt’s Reconstruction Plan outlines a structured approach to Gaza’s redevelopment over multiple phases. The initial recovery stage, estimated to cost $2 billion, is expected to last six months and focuses on debris clearance, mine removal, and temporary housing for displaced citizens. Subsequent phases will include rebuilding essential infrastructure and constructing 400,000 permanent housing units, with a budget of $50 billion.

Crucial to the reconstruction is determining governance in Gaza and securing financial contributions from wealthier Gulf states, with Egypt proposing a temporary Governance Assistance Mission. This would be led by Palestinian professionals tasked with overseeing humanitarian aid and reconstructive efforts amid scrutiny over Hamas’s future role in governance, as the group asserted its willingness to cooperate with the proposed governance committee.

In contrast, Israel has dismissed the reconstruction plan as outdated for failing to address Hamas’s recent violent actions, particularly the October 7, 2023 attack that resulted in high casualties. Instead, Israel advocates for the “Witkoff proposal,” which seeks to negotiate a ceasefire while also demanding the release of Israeli hostages without reciprocation for Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, Israel has taken steps such as restricting humanitarian aid access to pressure Hamas regarding these negotiations.

In summary, the Arab League’s endorsement of Egypt’s extensive Gaza reconstruction proposal demonstrates a commitment to Palestinian rights and a two-state solution while firmly rejecting displacement schemes. The plan’s execution will depend significantly on securing investment and addressing governance issues in Gaza, particularly concerning Hamas. In contrast, Israel proposes alternative measures that underscore the ongoing complexities of the conflict. Consequently, the situation remains volatile, with varied responses from different nations and factions, highlighting the multifaceted nature of Middle Eastern geopolitics and the urgent need for a cohesive resolution.

Original Source: indianexpress.com

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