CrossFireArabia
Israel rejected Egypt’s Gaza reconstruction plan, which opposes any forced displacement of Palestinians, a proposal put forward by US President Donald Trump, calling to encourage his “take over” Gaza plan.
Arab leaders met on Tuesday in Cairo for an emergency summit to discuss an Egyptian plan for Gaza’s reconstruction and governance following Israel’s genocide. The summit reaffirmed rejection of any forced displacement of Palestinians.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry claimed that the plan “continues to rely on the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA — both have repeatedly demonstrated corruption, support for terrorism, and failure in resolving the issue.”
“Now, with President Trump’s idea, there is an opportunity for the Gazans to have free choice based on their free will. This should be encouraged! Instead, Arab states have rejected this opportunity, without giving it a fair chance, and continue to level baseless accusations against Israel,” it added.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty slammed Israel’s rejection as “unacceptable,” describing its position as “stubborn and extremist.”
“There will be no peace neither to Israel or to the region” without establishing an independent Palestinian state in accordance with United Nations resolutions, he said. He added, “Israel violates all international law rules … the international law must be imposed.”
“No single state should be allowed to impose its will on the international community,” he said.
Washington also voiced its disapproval.
“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,” White House spokesman Brian Hughes said when asked whether Trump would support the Arab leaders’ plan.
“President Trump stands by his vision to rebuild Gaza free from Hamas,” he added.
Trump’s “Riviera of the Middle East”
Trump had previously proposed permanently displacing Palestinians from Gaza and transforming the area into what he called the “Riviera of the Middle East.” His plan envisioned a developed, Palestinian-free zone under US control and ownership, where “the world’s people” could reside.
He suggested that Jordan and Egypt take in displaced Palestinians, but both countries firmly rejected the idea. Palestinian leaders also dismissed it.
However, two weeks ago, Trump appeared to walk back his Gaza plan. Speaking on Fox News Radio, he said he would not push the proposal but simply recommend it then own the Palestinian territory.
“I’m not forcing it. I’m just going to sit back and recommend it,” Trump said, suggesting that if implemented, “the US would own the site.”
“If you gave the people of Gaza a choice between that and living in a nice community, I think I know where they’d go,” he added, implying support for the ethnic cleansing plan against the Palestinian people but avoiding direct advocacy.
Trump’s remarks sparked global criticism, with many pointing out that he promotes ethnic cleansing. Legal experts warned that forced displacement violates international law and could destabilize the region.
Key Points of Egypt’s Reconstruction Plan
The plan comes as a reaction to Trump’s proposal. According to the draft final statement of the summit, the plan includes:
A six-month administrative committee that would govern Gaza under the Palestinian government. The committee will be independent and composed of technocrats, paving the way for a full Palestinian-led administration according to the Quds News Network.
Egypt and Jordan will train Palestinian police in preparation for deployment in Gaza. The possibility of international peacekeeping forces in Gaza and the West Bank will also be studied.
A medium-term ceasefire to build trust and halt unilateral actions, with a commitment to the two-state solution as part of a political resolution.
Debris removal and temporary housing for displaced residents. The plan includes 20 temporary housing zones built with the participation of Egyptian and international companies. Reconstruction efforts will take three years.
Palestinian elections within a year if conditions allow, reaffirming that Gaza is an inseparable part of Palestine.
A unified Arab stance against any attempts to displace Palestinians, with legal and international measures to protect their rights and ensure ceasefire commitments.
Hamas Welcomes Reconstruction Plan
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Hamas welcomed the extraordinary Arab summit in Cairo which “aims to address the critical threats to our Palestinian cause, in light of the ongoing Zionist aggression and the plans for extermination and displacement that our people in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem are enduring.”
Hamas also hailed the reconstruction plan adopted by the Arab summit in its final statement, calling for the “provision of all necessary resources to ensure its success. We also commend Egypt’s efforts in preparing to host an international conference for the reconstruction of Gaza.”
The movement emphasized its commitment to support any efforts that serve the interests of the Palestinian people in “removing the consequences of the aggression and genocide targeting our people and land.”
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