U.S. Critiques Egypt’s Gaza Reconstruction Plan Amidst Ongoing Conflict
The U.S. State Department has criticized Egypt’s Gaza reconstruction plan for not meeting Trump administration expectations. The plan supports 1.5 million displaced Palestinians and costs $50 billion but faces hurdles due to Hamas’s ongoing influence. The Gaza Strip has suffered severe damage following recent conflicts, complicating recovery efforts.
The State Department has stated that Egypt’s reconstruction proposal for Gaza, which has received support from Arab leaders, does not align with the expectations set by the Trump administration. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi’s plan is viewed as an alternative to President Trump’s vision of transforming Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East,” which included considerations for the displacement of its Palestinian population.
Tammy Bruce, a spokeswoman for the State Department, indicated that while new ideas from the region for achieving long-term peace are welcomed, they did not meet the specific conditions proposed by President Trump. Bruce further emphasized that a significant barrier to progress is the presence of Hamas in power, which she stated must end for any forward movement to take place toward a ceasefire.
Hamas, which is classified as a terrorist group by the U.S. and the European Union, has expressed support for the Egyptian reconstruction initiative. This plan, recently endorsed by the Arab League, includes provisions for temporary housing for approximately 1.5 million displaced Palestinians during the reconstruction phase, which is projected to cost about $50 billion.
The Gaza Strip is currently home to around 2 million Palestinians and has faced severe devastation due to recent conflicts, particularly following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. This escalation resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 Israelis and approximately 250 captured individuals, leading to over 48,000 Palestinian fatalities as reported by Hamas-run health authorities.
A ceasefire that lasted six weeks has recently ended, and discussions about its renewal or about advancing broader negotiations remain unresolved.
In summary, the U.S. has expressed concerns regarding Egypt’s reconstruction plan for Gaza, indicating it does not fulfill the administration’s requirements. Given the ongoing presence of Hamas, the path forward towards a long-term ceasefire and reconstruction remains uncertain amidst significant humanitarian needs in Gaza. A comprehensive and collaborative approach will be essential for rebuilding efforts in the region.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
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