Arab states, spearheaded by Egypt, have proposed a $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza aimed at reinstating Palestinian Authority control and sidelining Hamas. This initiative contrasts with a rejected U.S. proposal led by President Trump. The plan is met with skepticism regarding governance issues and funding clarity, highlighting the complex challenges ahead for Gaza’s recovery.

Arab states, led by Egypt, have agreed on a comprehensive roadmap for Gaza’s reconstruction, countering President Donald Trump’s plan which intends to transform the region into a tourist destination and suggests displacing Palestinian residents. The Arab plan is anticipated to cost $53 billion, as outlined in a recent UN-EU-World Bank report, and aims to establish Palestinian Authority control in Gaza while sidelining Hamas.

The proposal has faced rejection from the White House, with National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes stating that it fails to address the current dire living conditions in Gaza. He emphasized the need for a solution that considers the uninhabitable reality of the territory plagued by debris and unexploded ordnance. As such, the U.S. continues to support President Trump’s controversial vision.

At an emergency summit in Cairo, Arab states called upon the international community and financial institutions to expedite support for the reconstruction initiative. Although the specific funders are not identified in the proposal, contributions are anticipated from European nations and affluent Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Nevertheless, experts have critiqued the plan for lacking clarity on governance, the role of Hamas, and funding sources. Paul Musgrave, an associate professor at Georgetown University, indicated that while the document presents an admirable vision, it skirts addressing critical challenges, particularly those surrounding Hamas’s political role and Israel’s willingness to support a unified Palestinian Authority in Gaza.

Israel has voiced strong opposition to the Arab proposal, stipulating that before any aid discussions progress, Hamas must first release all remaining Israeli hostages. The Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson criticized the plan for failing to reflect the current realities in Gaza, particularly following the events of October 7, 2023.

The Cairo summit also emphasized the need for an international conference focused on immediate reconstruction efforts in Gaza, set to occur this month in collaboration with the UN. Additionally, Arab states proposed creating a trust fund supervised by the World Bank to facilitate financial pledges from donor countries and institutions for recovery projects.

The Gaza reconstruction plan encompasses three distinct phases, aiming to culminate in 2030. The initial half-year phase requires $3 billion and focuses on rubble removal and providing temporary housing for over 1.5 million displaced residents. The second phase, spanning two years and costing $20 billion, involves constructing housing for 1.6 million individuals while re-establishing services and infrastructure.

The final phase extends over two and a half years and targets an additional $30 billion investment, focusing on constructing further necessary facilities while developing housing for an estimated 1.2 million people. The ultimate goal is to create living accommodations for up to 3 million residents in total.

Regarding governance in Gaza, the plan delineates a transitional six-month period in which an independent committee of technocrats will manage the area, operating under the Palestinian Authority. The Arab states expressed their commitment to restoring the Palestinian National Authority’s governance over Gaza, presented with a proposal to conduct elections throughout Palestinian territories within a year, contingent on suitable conditions.

Hamas expressed cautious optimism about the elections, indicating that the group has long advocated for the opportunity for Palestinian citizens to elect their leadership and political direction. However, the extent to which Hamas may agree to disarm in accordance with the broader plan remains unclear, although they acknowledged that the Arab plan contains “positive elements” and could serve as a viable roadmap for progress.

In summary, the Arab-led initiative to reconstruct Gaza, costing $53 billion, aims to reestablish Palestinian Authority control while sidelining Hamas. However, challenges remain regarding governance, the future of Hamas, and funding. The plan’s success hinges on the cooperation of various stakeholders, including international financial support and a resolution to existing conflicts. The commitment to holding elections reflects a desire for democratic processes in Palestinian territories, underscoring the complexities of governance in the region.

Original Source: www.cnbc.com

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