France, Germany, Italy, and Britain announced their support for an Arab-backed $53 billion plan to rebuild the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that the initiative provides a realistic path to reconstruction while ensuring Palestinians remain in their homeland. This initiative stands in contrast to U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Gaza’s population and redevelop the area.
The comprehensive plan, unveiled during a summit in Cairo, outlines a five-year reconstruction strategy focusing on:
- Infrastructure Development: Clearing debris and rebuilding essential infrastructure, including roads, water, sanitation, power, and telecommunications.
- Housing: Constructing approximately 400,000 permanent homes to accommodate those displaced by recent conflicts.
- Economic Revitalization: Reconstructing Gaza’s seaport and international airport to stimulate economic growth.
The plan proposes establishing a committee of independent Palestinian technocrats to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction and governance temporarily, operating under the Palestinian Authority’s supervision. This approach seeks to ensure effective management of humanitarian aid and local affairs during the transition period.
France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom have expressed backing for the Arab-led initiative, emphasizing the importance of reconstructing Gaza without displacing its inhabitants.
Both the United States and Israel have rejected the plan. The White House criticized it as impractical, citing Gaza’s current uninhabitable conditions, while Israel maintains concerns over security and governance issues.
Brian Hughes, White House National Security Council spokesman, commented saying, “The current proposal does not address the reality that Gaza is currently uninhabitable and residents cannot humanely live in a territory covered in debris and unexploded ordnance… President Trump stands by his vision to rebuild Gaza free from Hamas. We look forward to further talks to bring peace and prosperity to the region.”
Hamas has agreed to cede administrative control to the proposed interim committee, indicating a willingness to cooperate with the reconstruction efforts. However, the group has rejected calls for disarmament, asserting its right to resist.
The endorsement of this substantial reconstruction plan reflects a unified Arab effort to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza while preserving the rights and homes of its Palestinian population. The initiative’s success will depend on navigating complex political dynamics and securing the necessary international support and funding.
