Arab Leaders Adopt $53 Billion Gaza Reconstruction Plan, Reject Trump's Vision

Arab leaders have endorsed a new reconstruction plan for Gaza proposed by Egypt, which aims to rebuild the region with a $53 billion investment while avoiding the controversial resettling of Palestinians. This plan stands in contrast to U.S. President Donald Trump's vision for Gaza, which involved the creation of a "Middle East Riviera" and the resettlement of Palestinians.

The announcement came at the closing of an Arab summit in Cairo, where Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi confirmed that the plan had been adopted. Sisi expressed confidence that Trump would eventually achieve peace in the Gaza conflict, a sentiment that was met with varied responses from other global leaders.

Key Features of Egypt's Gaza Plan

The Egyptian-led initiative focuses on rebuilding Gaza's infrastructure, creating commercial hubs, residential developments, and public facilities without displacing the local population. The plan includes maps and renderings of a modernized Gaza with sustainable housing, green spaces, and improved utilities. Crucial to the plan's success is the creation of an independent Palestinian administrative committee tasked with overseeing Gaza’s affairs until the Palestinian Authority (PA) can return to governance.

Egypt, along with other Arab countries like Jordan, has spent nearly a month consulting on an alternative to Trump's plan. This is a direct rejection of the notion of relocating Palestinians or turning Gaza into a large-scale international resort destination.

A major issue remains the fate of Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza. Saudi Arabia has echoed calls for international guarantees to ensure a long-term ceasefire in the region, and there is a push for the PA to resume control. However, the UAE, which views Hamas as a direct threat, insists on its disarmament. This remains a point of contention as the possibility of an international force taking responsibility for Gaza's governance remains unlikely.

Hamas itself rejected any foreign administration or involvement in the reconstruction efforts. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri declared that the group would not accept projects imposed by external forces.

To fund the ambitious plan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other oil-rich Gulf states are seen as the primary financiers. However, the continued armed presence of Hamas complicates matters, as both the United States and Israel are unlikely to support any plan that does not address the group's disarmament.

The Arab leaders present at the summit have also criticized Trump's vision, asserting that it could destabilize the region further. According to Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein, Israel has been clear that its goals remain the destruction of Hamas's military capabilities.

Despite the challenges ahead, both Arab leaders and Hamas have expressed support for the Egyptian plan. As discussions continue, it is clear that the future of Gaza’s reconstruction hinges on overcoming key political and military obstacles, especially the role of Hamas and the need for international cooperation.