In a significant geopolitical development, Arab leaders have endorsed Egypt’s ambitious plan to rebuild Gaza, a project estimated to cost tens of billions of pounds. This endorsement came during a summit in Cairo, where Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi announced the comprehensive reconstruction initiative. The plan has garnered support from various international actors, including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and several European nations, while facing criticism from Israel and the United States.
Egypt’s Reconstruction Plan
The Egyptian plan, unveiled at the Cairo summit, aims to rebuild Gaza in three major phases over five years. The first phase involves interim measures, including the construction of 200,000 homes and the restoration of 60,000 buildings within six months. The second phase focuses on long-term reconstruction, with a budget of $20 billion allocated for building 400,000 homes and restoring essential services such as water, waste management, telecommunications, and electricity. The final phase, with a budget of $30 billion, emphasizes governance and humanitarian aid, overseen by a technocratic committee.
International Support and Criticism
The plan has received broad support from the Arab League and the OIC, which have urged the international community to provide the necessary funding for the reconstruction efforts. European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and the UK, have also backed the plan, describing it as a realistic pathway to rebuilding Gaza. However, the plan has faced rejection from Israel and the Trump administration, which argue that it fails to address the realities on the ground and the governance issues in Gaza.
Governance and Funding Concerns
One of the key components of the Egyptian plan is the establishment of a Governance Assistance Mission, which aims to replace the Hamas-run government in Gaza temporarily. This mission will focus on humanitarian aid and reconstruction and eventually transition governance to the Palestinian Authority. However, concerns remain about the specifics of this transition and the long-term governance of Gaza.
Funding for the reconstruction plan is another critical issue. While the Arab League and the OIC have pledged support, the plan’s success hinges on securing substantial financial contributions from international donors. The involvement of oil-rich Gulf states and other international actors will ensure the plan’s viability.
Contrasting with Trump’s Proposal
President Donald Trump’s proposal for Gaza starkly contrasts with Egypt’s plan. Trump’s vision involves the U.S. taking control of Gaza and displacing its Palestinian residents to neighboring countries, transforming the territory into a luxury resort destination. This proposal has been widely condemned as impractical and unethical, with critics arguing that it amounts to ethnic cleansing.
In summary, while Egypt’s plan for Gaza’s reconstruction has garnered significant international support, it faces substantial challenges related to governance and funding. The plan’s success will depend on the cooperation of various international actors and the ability to address the complex political realities in Gaza.
