U.S. and Israel Dismiss Arab Nations’ Gaza Reconstruction Proposal
The Arab League, led by Egypt, proposed an alternative reconstruction plan for Gaza, emphasizing resident retention during rebuilding efforts. This plan was swiftly rejected by the U.S. and Israel, citing the uninhabitability of Gaza. It outlines three phases for reconstruction, calling for substantial international support and cooperation, while addressing governance challenges in the region.
The ongoing tensions in Gaza have led to a significant proposal from Arab nations, particularly Egypt, in response to President Trump’s controversial plan for the region. During a summit in Cairo, leaders from the Arab League unanimously adopted a plan that emphasizes reconstruction without displacing Gaza’s over two million residents. This proposal stands in stark contrast to the Trump administration’s assertion that Gaza is uninhabitable due to devastation caused by the conflict with Hamas.
The U.S. and Israel swiftly dismissed the Egyptian-led proposal, with the Israeli Foreign Ministry labeling it as reliant on corrupt organizations and stating that it continued a history of using Palestinians as leverage against Israel. Claims from both nations highlighted a commitment to Trump’s vision which they believe empowers Gazans to make autonomous choices.
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi called for a sustainable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, expressing confidence in President Trump’s potential to facilitate this resolution. In the upcoming week, Egypt will seek further endorsement from Islamic countries at a summit in Saudi Arabia, although no formal European Union support has been declared.
The reconstruction plan, as explained by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, includes three phases: initial urgent relief operations costing $3 billion, followed by the construction of 200,000 permanent housing units at a cost of $20 billion, and a final phase involving an additional 200,000 permanent housing units and service facilities, budgeted at $30 billion. An independent Palestinian committee would temporarily oversee Gaza until the Palestinian Authority regains authority.
El-Sissi appealed for international collaboration and funding to support the $53 billion reconstruction initiative, inviting nations to join in a reconstruction conference set for the upcoming month. The summit’s final statement urged the United Nations Security Council to deploy peacekeepers to enhance safety for both Palestinians and Israelis while endorsing the continued role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
In summary, the Arab nations have put forth a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza, aiming to provide relief without displacing its residents. This proposal has been met with resistance from the U.S. and Israel, who maintain that the area is currently uninhabitable. The plan, which details significant financial commitments and phases for revitalization, emphasizes the need for international support and cooperation to create a sustainable future for the Palestinian people.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
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