Abdelrahman
Egypt Proposes Humanitarian Plan for Gaza Reconstruction Amid Controversy
CAIRO (AP) — In response to ongoing tensions following President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal for Gaza, Egypt is formulating an initiative aimed at reconstructing the region while ensuring the Palestinian population remains in place. This plan counters Trump’s suggestion of depopulating Gaza to facilitate U.S. control over the territory.
According to Egypt’s state-run Al-Ahram newspaper, the initiative envisions the establishment of “secure areas” within Gaza where Palestinians can reside temporarily. During this period, Egyptian and international construction teams will focus on restoring and upgrading the region’s infrastructure.
Discussions regarding this proposal have been ongoing between Egyptian officials and European diplomats, as well as representatives from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. They are also exploring potential funding avenues, including an international conference dedicated to Gaza’s reconstruction, as shared by Egyptian officials and other diplomatic sources.
Sources who prefer to remain anonymous reported that the proposal arises after widespread criticism of Trump’s plan, which involves relocating Gaza’s 2 million residents. Trump suggested transforming Gaza into a luxurious destination resembling a “Riviera of the Middle East,” excluding Palestinians from returning.
The Palestinian community has collectively rejected the notion of leaving their homeland, while Egypt and Jordan, with backing from Saudi Arabia, have declined Trump’s invitations for them to accept Gaza’s population. Human rights advocates have condemned the proposal as a potential act of forced expulsion, with many European nations also denouncing Trump’s approach. In contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed support for the concept, indicating readiness to consider its implementation.
During a recent visit to Saudi Arabia, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned that the United States is open to alternative proposals, emphasizing that any better plan from Arab nations would be welcomed.
Egypt’s Al-Ahram notes that the proposed plan aims to challenge Trump’s logic and resist any initiatives that seek to alter the demographic or geographical landscape of Gaza.
As Gaza approaches a critical point with a ceasefire set to conclude in early March, negotiations between Israel and Hamas are required to outline a second-phase agreement. This phase would address the release of remaining hostages, Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza, and a sustainable cessation of hostilities.
Implementing any reconstruction initiative without a consensus on long-term governance appears unfeasible. Israel demands the dismantling of Hamas as a governing and military entity, and without the resolution of this issue, international donors may hesitate to invest in rebuilding efforts.
Central to Egypt’s strategy is the proposal to create a Palestinian administration distinct from both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority to manage the area and oversee reconstruction activities, as indicated by involved Egyptian officials.
The initiative also envisions forming a Palestinian police force, primarily composed of former Palestinian Authority personnel who remained in Gaza following Hamas’s ascendancy in 2007, supported by forces trained by Egypt and Western nations.
Regarding the deployment of an Arab force in Gaza, both an Egyptian official and a diplomatic source noted that Arab states would consider it only if a clear pathway to establishing an independent Palestinian state was defined. Netanyahu has dismissed the idea of a Palestinian state and any governance role for Hamas or the Palestinian Authority, although he has yet to propose a viable alternative.
Hamas has expressed its readiness to relinquish control of Gaza, with spokesperson Abdul Latif al-Qanou stating the group is amenable to a Palestinian unity government without its involvement or a technical committee to administer the territory. The Palestinian Authority, which governs certain areas of the West Bank, has thus far opposed any Gaza plans that exclude it.
On the international front, both France and Germany have expressed support for Arab nations crafting a counterproposal to Trump’s plan. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi recently shared his government’s efforts with the French president during a phone conversation earlier this month.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has also informed the German foreign minister and EU officials about these plans at the Munich Security Conference held last week.
In the coming week, officials from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan will convene in Riyadh to discuss Egypt’s proposal before presenting it at the upcoming Arab summit later this month.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has been exacerbated by Israel’s extensive campaign that began after Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023. United Nations estimates suggest that around 250,000 housing units have been destroyed or rendered uninhabitable, with over 90% of the roads and more than 80% of healthcare facilities damaged. The total estimated cost of infrastructural damage stands at approximately $30 billion, along with an additional $16 billion attributed to housing destruction.
Egypt’s proposed reconstruction plan outlines a three-phase recovery process anticipated to span five years without the forced removal of Palestinians. It includes designating three “safe zones” within Gaza to temporarily house residents during an initial six-month recovery phase, providing mobile homes and access to humanitarian aid.
Furthermore, over two dozen Egyptian and international firms are expected to participate in debris removal and infrastructure rebuilding, creating tens of thousands of job opportunities for Gaza’s residents, according to Egyptian officials.
