In a new development in Israel’s war on Gaza, Arab leaders have endorsed an ‘Egypt’s plan for the reconstruction of Gaza.’ The plan would allow the residents to remain on the land, as said by Egypt’s president Abdel Fattah el Sisi.
The plan as reported by the Al Jazeerah, has given an alternative to United States President Donald Trump’s suggestion that stated that the Gaza Strip be depopulated to “develop” the area under US control. However, under the Egyptian plan, the Palestinian population would not be forced to leave the land.
Leaders from 22 nations of the Arab league attended the Summit in Cairo and altogether adopted the proposal.
The Egyptian plan consists of three stages: interim measures, reconstruction and governance.
According to the details of the plan, the funds will be backed from international organisations, these organisations include UN as well as from foreign and private sector investments.
Phase 1
The initiative requires $53 billion over five years, focusing on rebuilding infrastructure and housing. The stage would last for about six months. It will include clearing rubble, building 200,000 houses and restoring 60,000 buildings. Committee of technocrats under the Palestine Authority, will manage this stage.
Phase 2
This stage is estimated to cost around $20 billion and will include clearing and construction of 400,000 houses. Waster, waste, telecom, and electricity will be resorted to at this stage.
Phase 3
The estimation of this phase is to cost $30 billion and involves governance. The humanitarian aid and governance will be overlooked by Technocratic committees. As reported by the Al Jazeerah, A Steering and Management Council – a fund supporting technocrats – would support the process.
What is the Aim of the Project?
The main aim of the project is the reconstruction of Gaza and to maintain peace and security. The other aims also include the reassertion of the governance of the Palestinian Authority (PA) in the territory. Once the roads are clear, 200,000 temporary housing units would be built, 1.2 million people would be accommodated and 60,000 vandalised buildings would be reconstructed, as reported by the Al Jazeera
In response to the plan,. Israel has said, ““break free from past constraints and collaborate to create a future of stability and security in the region”
However, Hamas has voiced support for Egypt’s Gaza reconstruction plan but criticized its exclusion from the proposed governance framework.The plan has faced criticism from the U.S. and Israel, with concerns about its feasibility and the governance model proposed.
Egypt condemned Israel’s response as “unacceptable,” with Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty labeling the Netanyahu government’s stance as “stubborn and extremist.”
The white house, however, continues to extend is support to Trump’s plan for Gaza
“While the President stands by his bold vision for a post-war Gaza, he welcomes input from our Arab partners in the region. It’s clear his proposals have driven the region to come to the table rather than allow this issue to devolve into further crisis,” White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said.
