The Arab summit in Cairo adopted a plan for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, proposed by Egypt. It is a counter-proposal by the League of Arab States - in response to US President Donald Trump's plan to massively evict Palestinians from the enclave and turn it into a resort destination, which his critics compare to "ethnic cleansing".
Three phases
The first phase of the Egyptian plan envisages the removal of unexploded ordnance and the clearing of more than 50 million tons of debris left over from military operations and Israeli shelling. After being recycled, some of it will be used as construction material or to create more land along the Mediterranean coast. During this time, Palestinians will be housed in temporary housing, with 200,000 such homes being built for the 1.2 million residents of the Gaza Strip. Then, about 60,000 damaged buildings will be rebuilt.
In the coming years, the plan envisages a complete reorganization of the coastal zone, the construction of "sustainable and environmentally friendly" residential and urban areas with renewable energy. It also envisages the separation of agricultural land and the creation of industrial zones and large park areas. Basic services such as water and electricity supply, waste management and telecommunications services should be gradually restored. In the final stage, at least 400,000 new permanent homes should be built, as well as the reconstruction of the seaport and Gaza International Airport. The plan also includes the construction of 120 hospitals and clinics throughout the enclave.
The plan is worth $53 billion
Egypt has put the cost of the plan at $53 billion and has called on Arab states to help finance it. Egypt and Jordan should take the lead in training Palestinian police "so that the Palestinian Authority can return to its governance responsibilities," the document says. The two countries have called on the UN Security Council to consider authorizing the deployment of a peacekeeping mission to oversee governance in Gaza until reconstruction is complete.
Hamas approves, Israel rejects plan
The terrorist group Hamas has welcomed Egypt's plans and called for funds to be made available for their successful implementation. She called on Arab states to continue to pressure Israel to implement the terms of the ceasefire and its crucial second phase, including allowing aid and supplies to enter Gaza.
However, the Israeli Foreign Ministry announced that the joint declaration of Arab leaders did not reflect the realities after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. "It neither addresses the brutal terrorist attack by Hamas, which led to the deaths of thousands of Israelis and hundreds of kidnappings, nor does it condemn the actions of the terrorist Palestinian group," it said.
Israel also criticized the fact that the declaration relies on the Palestinian Authority and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), against which there are suspicions of "corruption and support for terrorism."
Trump welcomes the "contribution" of Arab states
CNN reported that the Trump administration has rejected the reconstruction plan approved by Arab leaders. US National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said that Trump “stands by his bold vision for a post-war Gaza“, but also welcomes “the contributions of our Arab partners in the region“.
Trump had proposed that Gaza become a “Riviera of the Middle East“, owned by the US, and that the Palestinians be effectively evicted from the strip.