The Egyptian government is actively working on a comprehensive plan to rebuild Gaza while ensuring that the local Palestinian population remains in their homes. This initiative comes as a counterproposal to U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial plan, which has been criticized for suggesting the displacement of Gaza’s residents.
Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Badr Abdelatty, announced that Cairo is in the process of developing a multi-phase strategy aimed at the early recovery and reconstruction of Gaza. The state-run Al-Ahram newspaper reported that Egypt intends to finalize this plan by next week, with the first phase set to commence following an emergency Arab summit scheduled for February 27 in Cairo.
In the lead-up to this summit, a five-way meeting involving officials from Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan will take place in Riyadh. This gathering aims to discuss the proposed reconstruction efforts and gather support from regional partners.
Trump’s recent comments have sparked international outrage, particularly his proposals to "take over" and "own" Gaza, which would involve permanently resettling its population of over 2 million and transforming the area into a holiday destination. Both Egypt and Jordan have firmly rejected these suggestions, labeling them as potential acts of ethnic cleansing.
As part of Egypt’s reconstruction plan, safe zones will be established within Gaza to accommodate residents during the initial six-month recovery period. These zones will feature mobile housing and shelters, while humanitarian aid will be allowed to flow into the region. The reconstruction effort is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs for the local population.
Egypt’s approach is designed to counter Trump’s logic and any other proposals that might alter the demographic or geographic landscape of Gaza. The reconstruction will occur in three phases over a span of five years, according to Egyptian officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Additionally, Cairo is exploring financial support for the plan from European diplomats and Arab partners, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. An international conference on Gaza’s reconstruction is also being considered as part of the discussions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed commitment to Trump’s vision for Gaza, which includes the idea of a restructured governance system. Meanwhile, Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz announced plans for a special directorate aimed at facilitating the "voluntary departure" of Palestinians from Gaza, offering assistance to those who wish to emigrate.
In a significant development, Hamas has indicated a willingness to relinquish power, suggesting that it could support the establishment of a Palestinian unity government or a technocratic committee to govern the enclave.
As the situation continues to evolve, Egypt’s reconstruction plan represents a critical effort to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza while maintaining the rights and presence of its residents.