Egypt’s Reconstruction Plan for Gaza
Egypt has proposed a $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza, aiming to rebuild the war-torn enclave without resettling Palestinians, countering the U.S.’s “Middle East Riviera” vision. The plan is expected to be endorsed in the final communique of the Arab summit in Cairo.
Key Elements of Egypt’s Plan
- A five-year rebuilding timeline.
- A $20 billion first phase over two years, constructing 200,000 housing units.
- Development of a commercial harbor, a technology hub, beach hotels, and an airport.
- Governance by a temporary administrative committee of independent Palestinian technocrats.
Political and Security Challenges
- The plan opposes the mass displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.
- Egypt and its allies seek to disarm Hamas, a major point of contention.
- The UAE insists on Hamas’s immediate disarmament, while other Arab states prefer a gradual approach.
- Hamas has rejected any forced disarmament or external administration in Gaza.
Regional Diplomacy and Funding
- Egypt, Jordan, and Gulf states are consulting on an alternative to the U.S. plan, fearing regional instability.
- Gulf nations, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, are expected to be key financial backers.
- Arab leaders are calling for elections in Gaza and the West Bank within a year.
Military and Resistance Dynamics
- Hamas claims it will not disarm and rejects any imposed governance structure.
- Israeli officials state that Hamas has been severely weakened, but small militant groups continue to operate.
- The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Palestinian health officials, while Israel estimates 20,000 Hamas fighters have been killed.
Egypt’s reconstruction plan presents an Arab-led alternative to U.S. proposals, prioritizing Palestinian governance while seeking international support. However, Hamas’s stance and regional divisions over its disarmament pose significant hurdles. The future of Gaza remains uncertain as political, economic, and security challenges persist.
