Egypt has unveiled a bold and ambitious plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, gaining the support of Arab states and offering a striking alternative to the controversial proposals put forth by the United States. This plan was presented at the Arab League Summit in Cairo and aims to restore Gaza without forcibly displacing its Palestinian population, countering U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion of depopulating the enclave. The Egyptian plan emphasizes peace, stability, and the reestablishment of the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) governance in Gaza — a significant shift from the ongoing conflict and destruction.
The plan unfolds in three carefully structured phases: interim measures, reconstruction, and governance. The first stage, lasting about six months, focuses on clearing debris along Salah al-Din Street — the main north-south highway in Gaza. This would set the stage for constructing 200,000 temporary housing units for 1.2 million displaced residents and repairing 60,000 damaged buildings. The subsequent two phases, spanning four to five years, envision building 400,000 permanent homes, restoring essential infrastructure like water, telecommunications, and electricity, and reviving Gaza’s seaport and international airport.
A vital component of the plan is the creation of a Steering and Management Council to oversee a financial fund supporting Gaza’s interim governing body. To secure the necessary resources, Egypt plans to organize international donor conferences, seeking funds from the United Nations, global financial institutions, and private sector investments. The estimated total cost stands at a staggering $53 billion, with $3 billion allocated for the first phase, $20 billion for the second phase over two years, and $30 billion for the final two-and-a-half-year phase. This last stage aims to establish industrial zones, fishing ports, and an airport, further supporting Gaza’s long-term economic revival.
The governance aspect of the plan introduces a technocratic government led by independent Palestinian experts, effectively replacing Hamas’s administration. This temporary government would handle humanitarian aid and facilitate the return of the PA. While the plan doesn’t explicitly mention elections, PA President Mahmoud Abbas has hinted at the possibility of holding elections next year, should conditions permit. Security-wise, Egypt and Jordan have committed to training Palestinian police forces and deploying them to Gaza, with support from a potential United Nations peacekeeping mission.
Despite its bold vision, the plan faces significant hurdles. Hamas has cautiously welcomed the reconstruction efforts and the concept of a technocratic government but remains staunchly opposed to relinquishing its weapons — a critical issue not addressed in the Egyptian proposal. Israel, on the other hand, firmly rejects Hamas’s continued militarization and opposes the PA’s return to Gaza, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu standing against both elements of the plan. Additionally, Trump’s insistence on a U.S.-controlled “Middle East Riviera” project adds another layer of geopolitical tension, casting doubt on whether the Egyptian blueprint will receive American endorsement.
Reactions to Egypt’s plan have been polarized. While the Arab League and Egypt champion the initiative as a path to sustainable peace, Israel has criticized it, pushing instead for Trump’s Gaza displacement strategy. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has condemned Israel’s stance as “unacceptable,” asserting that peace cannot be achieved without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Meanwhile, the White House remains committed to Trump’s vision but has signaled a willingness to collaborate with regional partners — excluding Hamas — to stabilize Gaza.
In conclusion, Egypt’s plan presents a meticulously crafted path to Gaza’s reconstruction and governance. However, its success hinges on overcoming significant political obstacles, securing international funding, and gaining the cooperation of key stakeholders, including Israel, Hamas, and the United States. The coming months will determine whether this plan will lay the foundation for a peaceful and prosperous Gaza or become yet another unrealized vision in the region’s long-standing struggle.
The plan unfolds in three carefully structured phases: interim measures, reconstruction, and governance. The first stage, lasting about six months, focuses on clearing debris along Salah al-Din Street — the main north-south highway in Gaza. This would set the stage for constructing 200,000 temporary housing units for 1.2 million displaced residents and repairing 60,000 damaged buildings. The subsequent two phases, spanning four to five years, envision building 400,000 permanent homes, restoring essential infrastructure like water, telecommunications, and electricity, and reviving Gaza’s seaport and international airport.
A vital component of the plan is the creation of a Steering and Management Council to oversee a financial fund supporting Gaza’s interim governing body. To secure the necessary resources, Egypt plans to organize international donor conferences, seeking funds from the United Nations, global financial institutions, and private sector investments. The estimated total cost stands at a staggering $53 billion, with $3 billion allocated for the first phase, $20 billion for the second phase over two years, and $30 billion for the final two-and-a-half-year phase. This last stage aims to establish industrial zones, fishing ports, and an airport, further supporting Gaza’s long-term economic revival.
The governance aspect of the plan introduces a technocratic government led by independent Palestinian experts, effectively replacing Hamas’s administration. This temporary government would handle humanitarian aid and facilitate the return of the PA. While the plan doesn’t explicitly mention elections, PA President Mahmoud Abbas has hinted at the possibility of holding elections next year, should conditions permit. Security-wise, Egypt and Jordan have committed to training Palestinian police forces and deploying them to Gaza, with support from a potential United Nations peacekeeping mission.
Despite its bold vision, the plan faces significant hurdles. Hamas has cautiously welcomed the reconstruction efforts and the concept of a technocratic government but remains staunchly opposed to relinquishing its weapons — a critical issue not addressed in the Egyptian proposal. Israel, on the other hand, firmly rejects Hamas’s continued militarization and opposes the PA’s return to Gaza, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu standing against both elements of the plan. Additionally, Trump’s insistence on a U.S.-controlled “Middle East Riviera” project adds another layer of geopolitical tension, casting doubt on whether the Egyptian blueprint will receive American endorsement.
Reactions to Egypt’s plan have been polarized. While the Arab League and Egypt champion the initiative as a path to sustainable peace, Israel has criticized it, pushing instead for Trump’s Gaza displacement strategy. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has condemned Israel’s stance as “unacceptable,” asserting that peace cannot be achieved without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Meanwhile, the White House remains committed to Trump’s vision but has signaled a willingness to collaborate with regional partners — excluding Hamas — to stabilize Gaza.
In conclusion, Egypt’s plan presents a meticulously crafted path to Gaza’s reconstruction and governance. However, its success hinges on overcoming significant political obstacles, securing international funding, and gaining the cooperation of key stakeholders, including Israel, Hamas, and the United States. The coming months will determine whether this plan will lay the foundation for a peaceful and prosperous Gaza or become yet another unrealized vision in the region’s long-standing struggle.
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