Arab leaders have agreed on an Egyptian-led reconstruction plan for Gaza, rejecting a U.S. proposal that would relocate Palestinians and give America control over the enclave. The plan, which will cost $53 billion, aims to rebuild Gaza without displacing its people. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced the decision at the closing of an emergency summit in Cairo.
Palestinian Leadership and Future Governance of Gaza
The plan proposes an administrative committee of independent Palestinian technocrats to oversee Gaza’s recovery. This committee will manage humanitarian aid and daily affairs temporarily before handing control to the Palestinian Authority (PA). Hamas has accepted this proposal but insists on approving committee members and their tasks. The PA, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, supports the plan and has expressed willingness to hold elections if conditions allow.
U.S. and Israeli Opposition
The United States and Israel have criticized the Egyptian initiative. Washington claims the proposal does not address Gaza’s unlivable conditions after months of war. The White House reaffirmed former President Donald Trump’s vision for a Gaza free from Hamas control. Israel has dismissed the plan as outdated and insists on Hamas’s immediate disarmament.
Reconstruction and Funding Challenges
Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), are expected to play a key role in financing Gaza’s rebuilding. The UAE demands Hamas’s full disarmament, while other Arab nations prefer a gradual approach. A Saudi royal court source said Hamas’s continued military presence remains a major obstacle. The PA plans to set up an international reconstruction fund, possibly under the World Bank’s oversight.
Hamas’s Stance and Regional Tensions
Hamas has rejected any efforts to disarm and insists on maintaining its right to resist. The group has ruled Gaza since 2007, after expelling the PA in a brief civil war. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri stated that no foreign forces or non-Palestinian administration would be accepted in Gaza. Hamas also claims to have lost only a few thousand fighters in the war, while Israeli officials estimate the number at around 20,000.
Egypt’s Vision for Gaza’s Future
Egypt’s 112-page reconstruction plan includes detailed maps and AI-generated images of new housing developments, gardens, community centers, hotels, and an airport. The project also envisions a commercial harbor and a technology hub. While Israel opposes Hamas’s continued rule, a source suggested it might accept an Arab-led administration if Hamas relinquishes control.
A Divided Path Forward
The war has devastated Gaza, displacing nearly its entire population and killing over 48,000 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry. The conflict began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and over 250 hostages. As Arab states push for a Palestinian-led recovery, Israel and the U.S. remain firm on removing Hamas from power. The future of Gaza remains uncertain, with key decisions hinging on international support and negotiations.
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