egypt leads $53 billion gaza reconstruction plan over 5 years
During the summit in Cairo, Arab states accepted Egypt's plan for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, estimated to cost $53 billion and take five years to complete.
According to Reuters, which obtained a draft of the meeting's final communiqué, the Egyptian plan involves a six-month preparatory phase where the Gaza Strip will be cleared of debris and residents will receive temporary shelter. The first phase of reconstruction—expected to last two years—will follow, succeeded by a second phase lasting two and a half years. During each of these phases, 200,000 housing units will be constructed. The first phase is projected to cost $20 billion, while the second phase will require $30 billion.
The plan does not specify the sources of funding for the reconstruction. Arab states intend to appeal to the international community for financial support. Additionally, Arab leaders will advocate for elections to be held in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, where the last elections took place nearly two decades ago.
The issue of governance in the Gaza Strip
The communiqué did not clarify who will govern the Gaza Strip after the conflict. It only mentioned "support for the Palestinian decision to create a committee to administer the Gaza Strip." Hamas and the Palestinian Authority plan to establish a technical committee composed of Palestinians unaffiliated with any faction.
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Israel opposes governance by either Hamas or the Palestinian Authority in the Gaza Strip. Egypt also aims to remove Hamas from power, suggesting an administration controlled by Arab and Western states. Israel might accept a takeover by Arab states if it resulted in the end of Hamas rule.
Reaction to US plans
The meeting of Arab state leaders aimed to counter the plans proposed by US President Donald Trump regarding the Gaza Strip. Trump proposed that the US take control of the territory, relocate Palestinians to Arab countries, and transform the Gaza Strip into the "Riviera of the Middle East." Arab states unanimously criticized this vision.
The Gaza Strip has been devastated by a conflict lasting over 15 months between Israel and Hamas, resulting in more than 48,000 Palestinian deaths. The conflict began after Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths. Although a temporary ceasefire has been in effect since January 19, its continuation remains uncertain.
