Mark Armstrong
Global Tribune Report
Cairo, Egypt – In a decisive response to U.S. proposals, Arab leaders have united behind a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza, emphasizing stability and Palestinian sovereignty. The initiative, approved at an emergency summit in Egypt’s new administrative capital, seeks to counter U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision, which includes relocating Palestinians and transforming Gaza into a commercial hub.
The summit, attended by representatives from the 22-member League of Arab States, endorsed Egypt’s proposal for a phased reconstruction approach. This initiative would prioritize restoring infrastructure, while sidelining Hamas from governance, ultimately reinstating the Palestinian Authority’s leadership.
$53 Billion Reconstruction Strategy
The multi-phase $53 billion plan, detailed in a 91-page document, spans five years. The initial phase focuses on debris clearance, followed by systematic rebuilding efforts. During this process, Palestinians would be temporarily relocated across seven designated areas. Additionally, Egypt and Jordan will train a Palestinian police force to facilitate the Palestinian Authority’s return to governance.
The urgency of the summit, held during the holy month of Ramadan, underscores the regional opposition to Trump’s controversial proposal. The U.S. leader suggested transforming war-torn Gaza into a luxury destination under American influence, with its over two million residents resettled in neighboring countries.
Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit dismissed this proposal, emphasizing that Palestinians deserve to live peacefully on their rightful land. We cannot accept unlawful foreign-imposed solutions.”
Israeli Rejection and Ceasefire Uncertainty
Israel’s Foreign Ministry criticized the summit’s resolution, dismissing it as outdated. Spokesman Oren Marmorstein argued, “President Trump’s initiative offers Gazans the freedom to choose their future. Arab nations have rejected this opportunity without fair consideration.”
The adopted plan introduces a “Gaza Administrative Committee,” composed of independent experts, to oversee the initial six-month recovery period. Concurrently, direct negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian representatives would commence, addressing territorial disputes and Jerusalem’s status.
One of the central resolutions from the summit calls on the U.N. Security Council to station international peacekeeping forces in both Gaza and the West Bank to enhance stability. However, the plan does not address the immediate disarmament of Palestinian militant groups, stating that a credible political process must precede any discussions on weapons control.
Arab Nations Stand Against Displacement
Summit leaders reiterated their collective opposition to forced displacement. Countries such as Egypt and Jordan perceive an influx of Palestinian refugees as a security risk, aligning with broader regional support for an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Hussein Ibish, a senior analyst at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, noted, “By presenting a feasible alternative, Arab leaders shift the burden onto Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to negotiate an end to the conflict on reasonable terms.”
While reaffirming support for the Palestinian Authority, Arab leaders also called for internal reforms within the Ramallah-based administration, citing corruption and inefficiency. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the Egyptian-led initiative, pledging to restructure Gaza’s governance and prepare for national elections within the year.
Abbas, 89, further addressed international concerns by agreeing to appoint a deputy and granting amnesty to former Fatah officials in exile, signaling a move toward political reconciliation.
Challenges to Implementation
Despite Hamas’s initial endorsement of the reconstruction strategy, internal Palestinian consensus remains uncertain. The militant group Islamic Jihad has rejected the proposed international peacekeeping presence in Gaza.
Financial backing is another critical hurdle. Egypt expects Gulf nations, Western donors, and global financial institutions to fund the initiative. However, concerns about mismanagement persist, prompting a proposal to establish a trust fund under international oversight. Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa plans to launch a fundraising campaign among Islamic nations and key Western allies, with Egypt hosting a donor conference next month.
Uncertain Future Amid Fragile Ceasefire
As Gaza’s ceasefire agreement teeters on the edge of collapse, tensions escalate. The initial 42-day truce allowed for limited prisoner exchanges, but Israeli forces have hesitated to advance into the next phase of withdrawal. Netanyahu’s administration accused Hamas of rejecting a proposed extension, while Hamas insists on further negotiations.
Meanwhile, Israel has intensified restrictions on Gaza, halting humanitarian aid over allegations that Hamas diverts supplies for militant use. Israeli government spokesman Omer Dostri stated, “We are applying pressure on Hamas while preparing for potential military escalation. Cutting off water and electricity remains an option.”
Addressing the summit, U.N. Secretary General António Guterres urged both Israel and Hamas to honor the ceasefire and return to negotiations. “He cautioned that renewed conflict would intensify hardship and escalate instability across the region,” he warned.
With political divisions, financial challenges, and persistent security concerns, the road to Gaza’s reconstruction remains complex. However, Arab leaders have drawn a firm line against displacement, shifting the diplomatic burden onto Israel and the United States to engage with their proposed path forward.
