Arab Leaders Endorse Egypt’s Gaza Reconstruction Plan as Alternative to Trump’s Proposal

Arab leaders have backed Egypt’s reconstruction plan for Gaza, allowing Palestinians to remain while rejecting Trump’s proposal for depopulation. Egypt’s President el-Sissi expressed hope for collaboration for peace as criticism arose from the U.S. and Israel regarding feasibility. The reconstruction plan aims to start prior to 2030, outlining substantial infrastructure improvements and temporary housing for the displaced.

On Tuesday, Arab leaders endorsed Egypt’s postwar reconstruction strategy for the Gaza Strip, proposing that the 2 million Palestinians currently residing there remain instead of following U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan which advocated for their depopulation. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi expressed gratitude for the Arab consensus to support a reconstruction plan that ensures Palestinians can remain on their land without displacement.

El-Sissi indicated his eagerness to collaborate with President Trump, other Arab nations, and the international community to achieve a fair resolution to the Palestinian issue while emphasizing the need for security, stability, and the establishment of a Palestinian state. However, the U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes dismissed the proposal, labeling it as impractical due to current conditions in Gaza, characterized by debris and unexploded ordnance.

Critics from Israel’s foreign ministry argued that the Egyptian plan neglects the realities on the ground. Oren Marmorstein stated that it fails to address the context of Hamas’ October 7 attack and is rooted in outdated perspectives. He reiterated Israel’s commitment to Trump’s plan for relocating Gaza’s population, branding it an opportunity for self-determination.

In contrast, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty condemned Israel’s stance as “unacceptable” and insisted that peace can only be achieved through an independent Palestinian state in accordance with U.N. resolutions. He emphasized that Israel’s violations of international law cannot continue unchecked and insisted on a collective respect for international norms.

Hamas welcomed the Arab leaders’ support at the summit, viewing it as a strengthening of Arab and Islamic unity around the Palestinian cause. The militant group voiced appreciation for the rejection of proposals to transfer Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank, affirming its commitment to the Palestinian territories.

Meanwhile, Israel has promoted an alternative U.S. proposal relating to the conflict’s ceasefire, which includes the conditional release of hostages taken during Hamas’ attack. Israel maintains a blockade of essential supplies to Gaza, intensifying fears of renewed hostilities as negotiations continue.

Egypt’s reconstruction plan aims for completion by 2030, proposing to clear numerous tons of rubble and address landmines as initial steps. Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit remarked that the summit rejected forced transfers of Palestinians and affirmed the supportive stance of Egypt’s reconstruction plan, deeming it essential for future peace.

Additionally, Egypt will host an international conference with the U.N. to further discuss Gaza’s rebuilding. The ambitious proposal includes constructing temporary housing and ultimately enhancing Gaza’s infrastructure with renewable energy, agricultural zones, and transportation facilities. The plan anticipates a pivotal role for an interim administration until a reformed Palestinian Authority can take governance, despite Israel’s resistance to any Palestinian authority control.

The backdrop to this ongoing conflict was catalyzed by Hamas’ actions, which resulted in significant casualties and devastation across Gaza, including the destruction of crucial infrastructure and a dire humanitarian crisis for civilians. As discussions unfold regarding the future of Gaza, the humanitarian situation remains precarious, demanding urgent international attention and cooperation.

In conclusion, the endorsement by Arab leaders of Egypt’s reconstruction plan emerges as a nuanced counterproposal to U.S. initiatives regarding Gaza. This plan emphasizes the need for Palestinian stability and presence in their homeland while highlighting considerable regional and international dynamics at play. Furthermore, the plan presents an alternative vision for the future of Gaza, advocating for a strategic path toward peace and resilience amidst ongoing conflicts. Negotiations continue against a backdrop of humanitarian crises and broader political implications, underscoring the complexities facing all parties involved.

Original Source: www.washingtonpost.com