The United States and Israel have rejected a comprehensive Arab proposal for the post-war reconstruction of Gaza, which would allow its 2.1 million Palestinian residents to remain in place. The plan, endorsed by Arab leaders at a recent summit in Cairo, stands in contrast to President Donald Trump's initiative, which involves U.S. oversight of Gaza and the permanent resettlement of its population.
The Arab proposal, welcomed by both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, envisions temporary governance of Gaza by a committee of independent experts and the deployment of international peacekeepers. However, both the White House and Israel’s foreign ministry dismissed the plan, arguing that it does not address the current realities on the ground and reaffirming support for Trump’s vision.
Ceasefire Under Strain Amid Dispute Over Gaza’s Future
The diplomatic disagreement comes as tensions rise over the fragile ceasefire in Gaza. The first phase of the truce expired last Saturday, with Israel blocking humanitarian aid to pressure Hamas into accepting a new U.S.-brokered proposal for a temporary extension. Under this proposal, hostages held in Gaza would be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Hamas, however, insists that the second phase of the agreement should proceed as initially outlined, leading to a full Israeli withdrawal and an end to the war.
Arab Plan for Reconstruction and Governance
Presented by Egypt at an emergency Arab League summit, the $53 billion reconstruction plan aims to rebuild Gaza over a five-year period through a phased approach. The initiative includes:
- Phase 1 (Six months, $3 billion): Clearing millions of tons of rubble and unexploded ordnance.
- Phase 2 (Two years, $20 billion): Restoring housing and essential utilities.
- Phase 3 (Two years, $30 billion): Establishing key infrastructure, including an airport, two seaports, and an industrial zone.
The plan also proposes that an "administrative committee" composed of independent Palestinian technocrats govern Gaza during a transitional period, with the goal of restoring Palestinian Authority (PA) governance. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has categorically ruled out any role for Hamas or the PA in post-war Gaza.
International Reactions and Trump's Vision for Gaza
The Arab League issued a firm statement rejecting any forced displacement of Palestinians, condemning it as a violation of international law. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas endorsed the plan, urging President Trump to support it, while Hamas praised the unified Arab stance against displacement.
In response, Israel’s foreign ministry dismissed the proposal as outdated, stating that it fails to acknowledge the new geopolitical realities following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. A ministry spokesperson argued that Trump’s proposal offers Gazans "free choice based on their free will" and criticized Arab states for rejecting what it called a "genuine opportunity."
The White House also expressed skepticism. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes argued that the Arab plan does not address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing that Trump remains committed to rebuilding the territory free from Hamas.
President Trump’s controversial proposal, introduced last month, involves U.S. control over Gaza and the resettlement of its population in neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan. He has framed this plan as an opportunity for displaced Palestinians to secure "better housing" and has described his vision of a rebuilt Gaza as the "Riviera of the Middle East."
Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
The war in Gaza erupted following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of 251 hostages. In response, Israel launched a large-scale military operation aimed at dismantling Hamas. According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, more than 48,400 people have been killed since the conflict began. The war has led to severe humanitarian consequences, with most of Gaza’s population displaced multiple times and critical infrastructure—such as healthcare, water, and sanitation—on the verge of collapse.
As international actors debate Gaza’s future, the region remains in a state of crisis, with no clear resolution in sight.
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