U.S. States Egyptian Gaza Reconstruction Proposal Fails to Meet Expectations

The U.S. deems Egypt’s Gaza reconstruction proposal insufficient, failing to meet President Trump’s expectations. Key conditions include removing Hamas from power. Estimates place reconstruction costs at $50 billion, amidst rising humanitarian concerns after significant casualties in the ongoing conflict.

The United States State Department has communicated that an Egyptian proposal for Gaza’s reconstruction does not align with the Trump administration’s expectations. This plan, presented by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and supported by Arab leaders, contrasts starkly with President Trump’s controversial strategy to manage the territory post-conflict by establishing it as the “Riviera of the Middle East.”

State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce emphasized that while new regional ideas for long-term peace are appreciated, the Egyptian plan “does not fulfill the requirements, the nature of what President Trump was asking for.” Additionally, she insisted that for any progress, “Hamas must not be in power,” a fundamental stipulation from both Washington and Israel. Currently, Hamas, which is classified as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union, has expressed its support for the Egyptian initiative.

The reconstruction proposal, recently endorsed by the Arab League, aims to provide temporary housing for approximately 1.5 million displaced Palestinians amid a projected $50 billion cost. The Gaza Strip, home to nearly two million Palestinians, has been severely affected by the ongoing conflict that escalated on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas attack that resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 Israelis and the capture of around 250 hostages.

Since the onset of hostilities, over 48,000 Palestinians have reportedly died according to health authorities in Gaza. A ceasefire lasting six weeks has concluded, with both conflicting parties yet to reach an agreement on its extension or the initiation of more comprehensive negotiations.

The Egyptian reconstruction proposal for Gaza faces criticism from the United States for failing to meet specified requirements under the current administration’s expectations. Key conditions also emphasize the need for the exclusion of Hamas from power. As the humanitarian crisis deepens in Gaza, the region continues to seek a viable path to long-term peace while grappling with the aftermath of recent conflicts.

Original Source: www.business-standard.com