Arab leaders have approved a $53 billion (£41.4 billion) reconstruction plan for Gaza at an emergency summit in Cairo, positioning it as an alternative to U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate over two million Palestinians and take control of the territory.
“The Egypt plan is now an Arab plan,” declared Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit at the conclusion of the summit, emphasizing the unified stance against any form of Palestinian displacement, whether voluntary or forced.
Egypt’s detailed blueprint, presented in a 91-page document with visuals of modern neighborhoods and public buildings, was developed to counter a U.S. proposal dubbed the “Middle East Riviera,” which sparked widespread criticism in the Arab world. However, this initiative extends beyond infrastructure development, centering on political solutions and Palestinian rights.
In his opening address, Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi advocated for a simultaneous push toward a two-state solution, establishing a Palestinian state alongside Israel. While many Arab nations view this as the only viable resolution to the ongoing conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies have firmly opposed it.
The plan envisions Gaza being temporarily governed by a “Gaza management committee” under the Palestinian government, composed of qualified technocrats. However, it provides little clarity on Hamas’ role, vaguely referring to militant groups as an “obstacle” that could be addressed by resolving the root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
While some Arab nations support the dismantling of Hamas, others argue that such decisions should be left to the Palestinians. Reports suggest Hamas has accepted it will not govern Gaza but remains adamant about not disarming.
Netanyahu, who has praised Trump’s plan as “visionary,” has categorically ruled out any role for both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority in Gaza’s future administration.
