- After suggestions by President Trump that the United States could take over and run the Gaza Strip in the Middle East, Egypt is now taking a lead role in coming up with a plan for reconstruction. Such a plan would be implemented over at least five years, and Palestinians would stay in Gaza.
- Countries such as Egypt and Jordan have already rejected suggestions that nearly 2 million Palestinians not return to Gaza, and instead relocate permanently to nearby Arab countries.
- A summit among Arab leaders will take place later this month in Egypt to discuss the situation in Gaza.
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On the heels of President Trump saying the United States could take control of Gaza and turn it into the Riviera of the Middle East, Egypt has now stepped forward in an effort to lead the Arab world in rebuilding the war-torn region. Egypt’s plan would allow Palestinians to stay in Gaza without relocating to a nearby Arab country.
Who supports the new plan, and why?
Jordanian Minister of Affairs Ayman Safadi told CNN that all of the Arab world is behind the plan and can make it happen.
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Jordan and Egypt have both rejected the idea of around 2 million Palestinians leaving the region for good and finding refuge in their country. President Trump suggested this week that there is a parcel of land in Egypt where Palestinians might be able to go.
The Gaza Strip is a 25-mile stretch of land that has seen much destruction during the war between Israel and Hamas since October 2023. President Trump has repeatedly said it is no longer habitable.
How would reconstruction work?
Egypt is now launching a diplomatic effort to garner support for its plan. The Wall Street Journal reports that the reconstruction would take up to five years, with the first phase aimed at providing shelter and restoring essential services.
The report says Egypt is seeking public and private funding to pay for reconstruction, expecting to hold a donor conference to secure such commitments.
Egypt’s foreign minister is quoted by ABC News as saying that any solution should include implementing a two-state solution as a path to stability and coexistence in the region. However, Middle East experts say a Palestinian state will not be a precondition for reconstruction.
What happens from here?
There are still many questions to be answered about the Egyptian plan, including what role the terror group Hamas would have and who would be in charge of security. Egypt will host a summit of Arab leaders, beginning on Feb. 27.
