Egypt has unveiled a plan to rebuild Gaza, which has suffered extensive damage from ongoing conflict. This announcement came during an emergency summit in Cairo, where Arab leaders gathered to discuss the future of the region amid a stalled ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel.
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi organized the meeting to present a detailed recovery strategy. This plan aims to first address immediate needs by clearing landmines and providing temporary housing. The longer-term goal is to rebuild essential infrastructure in Gaza. The discussions also included concerns about who will govern Gaza and which countries will contribute the necessary funds for reconstruction.
Experts suggest that there is a consensus among Arab nations against Hamas’s involvement in Gaza’s future governance, although they do not support its complete disappearance. Hamas has firmly rejected any external solutions imposed on the territory, calling for a strong Arab role to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and prevent the displacement of Palestinians.
El-Sisi mentioned that Egypt has collaborated with Palestinian representatives to create a temporary administrative committee. This committee would consist of independent Palestinian professionals tasked with managing humanitarian aid and overseeing Gaza’s affairs until the Palestinian Authority (PA) can return to power. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed his support for this Egyptian initiative, urging international backing for a plan that respects the rights of Palestinians.
The summit took place shortly after the first phase of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas expired. Israel has been accused of not honoring the deal, which included the exchange of captives and humanitarian aid. Instead, Israel introduced a new proposal that would require Hamas to release a significant number of captives in exchange for extending the ceasefire. However, this proposal has faced resistance, as it does not address the release of additional Palestinian prisoners, a key aspect of the original agreement.
With the backing of wealthy Gulf states like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, the success of Egypt’s reconstruction plan will depend on securing the necessary financial support. As the situation continues to evolve, the future of Gaza remains uncertain, with many eyes on the outcomes of these critical discussions.