Hamas Supports Egyptian Plan for Gaza Reconstruction; Israel and US Rebuff

Hamas has endorsed an Arab-backed Egyptian plan for Gaza’s reconstruction, urging necessary measures for success. In stark contrast, Israel and the United States have dismissed the plan, with Trump advocating for relocating Palestinians. The Arab Summit criticized Israeli actions impeding humanitarian aid and reaffirmed support for Palestinian sovereignty, emphasizing the pursuit of a comprehensive peace.

On Tuesday, the Islamic Resistance Movement, known as Hamas, expressed its support for the Egyptian-led initiative backed by Arab nations to reconstruct the Gaza Strip. The organization emphasized the importance of implementing measures to ensure the efficacy of this plan. Hamas further commended Egypt for organizing an international conference dedicated to the reconstruction efforts.

Contrarily, both Israel and the United States rejected the reconstruction plan. The Israeli government reaffirmed its backing for President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal, which involves relocating Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt, a notion that has been firmly opposed by Arab nations. Israel criticized the Arab Summit for its reliance on institutions such as the Palestinian Authority and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), accusing them of corruption and ties to terrorism.

Israel also criticized the final statement from the Cairo Summit, stating it overlooked the latest developments following the events of October 7. Israeli officials advocated for regional leaders to abandon outdated policies in favor of fostering stability and security.

The White House echoed the concerns regarding the Arab plan, with a spokesperson from the US National Security Council declaring, “The published Arab plan does not address the current situation; Gaza is uninhabitable, and its residents cannot live with dignity in an area filled with unexploded ordnance and rubble.” The spokesperson reaffirmed President Trump’s commitment to rebuilding Gaza without Hamas’s involvement while expressing a desire for constructive dialogue to achieve regional stability and peace.

The Arab Summit’s concluding statement condemned Israel’s actions to block humanitarian aid and close crossings necessary for relief work in Gaza, labeling these acts as violations of ceasefire agreements and international humanitarian law. Furthermore, it denounced Israel’s strategy of blockade and starvation of civilians as a tool for political gain.

The statement reiterated Arab leaders’ commitment to achieving a fair peace that upholds the rights of the Palestinian people, particularly emphasizing their right to an independent state based on the two-state solution and the right of return for Palestinian refugees. This strategy aims to ensure security for all nations in the region, including Israel.

In conclusion, the contrasting reactions to the Egyptian-led reconstruction plan for Gaza underscore existing divides among regional and international stakeholders. While Hamas embraces the initiative, Israel and the U.S. reject it, advocating for alternative strategies. The Arab nations’ commitment to supporting Palestinian rights and seeking a comprehensive peace remains resolute, highlighting the complexity of the situation in the region and the challenges ahead for achieving stability and security.

Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com