British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and European leaders have backed a $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza proposed by Egypt, aiming to avoid displacing Palestinians. This initiative faces opposition from Israel and the US, while also highlighting ongoing discussions related to governance and humanitarian access in the region amid a fragile ceasefire.

During a recent gathering, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, alongside his counterparts from France, Germany, and Italy, expressed their support for an Egyptian-led initiative aimed at reconstructing Gaza. The ambitious $53 billion (£41 billion) plan has garnered backing from Arab leaders and intends to ensure that Palestinians are not displaced from the region, despite facing rejection from Israel and the United States.

The redefined proposal includes the establishment of an administrative committee comprising independent Palestinian technocrats to oversee Gaza’s governance post-conflict, specifically managing humanitarian assistance temporarily under the Palestinian Authority’s supervision. This plan emphasizes the necessity for Hamas to cease its governance in Gaza and not remain a threat to Israel, prioritizing the Palestinian Authority’s role in restoring order and implementing essential reforms.

Additionally, during a session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, foreign ministers from Muslim nations repudiated calls from President Trump to evacuate the Palestinian population from Gaza. They condemned such actions as indicative of ethnic cleansing and a violation of international law, asserting their collective support for the Egyptian reconstruction proposal.

The ongoing ceasefire, initiated in mid-January following intense conflict sparked by Hamas’s attack on October 7, has allowed for a temporary halt in hostilities. However, uncertainty looms over the negotiation of a second phase involving further hostage releases and the prospect of a sustainable peace agreement, following the initial exchanges that included the release of 25 Israeli hostages and 2,000 Palestinians by Israel.

The support for the Egyptian plan by European foreign ministers represents a pivotal moment in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. With plans emphasizing Palestinian self-governance and rejecting displacement, the focus shifts toward sustainable reconstruction amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The call for cooperation with the Palestinian Authority marks a significant stance against views seeking to undermine Palestinian sovereignty, while the future of the ceasefire negotiations remains uncertain.

Original Source: news.sky.com

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