Arab Coalition Unveils Comprehensive Plan for Gaza's Reconstruction to Challenge Trump's Vision

An upcoming emergency summit in Cairo will witness Arab leaders presenting a robust reconstruction plan for Gaza, aiming to counter President Trump's controversial proposal. The plan focuses on community rights and sustainable development while warning against displacement strategies, all while seeking substantial international investment for recovery.

Cairo is set to host an urgent summit where Arab leaders are poised to endorse a comprehensive reconstruction blueprint for Gaza, developed as a countermeasure to President Donald Trump's contentious plan that aims to relocate over two million Palestinians. The initiative, crafted by Egypt, is encapsulated in an elaborate 91-page brochure adorned with Emirati-style aesthetics, signaling a vision for a "Dubai on the Mediterranean" as opposed to the US's notion of a "Riviera of the Middle East."

What differentiates the Cairo proposal is its emphasis on not merely rebuilding infrastructure, but also upholding the political rights of Palestinians. The UN has reported that over 90% of homes in Gaza are ravaged or ruined following extended conflicts, leading to a dire humanitarian situation. The upcoming draft, obtained by BBC, will suggest that the reconstruction efforts are a collective Arab responsibility, in conjunction with the Palestinian leadership, and will draw on research from reputable institutions like the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme.

Critical to this plan is the assurance that Gaza's remaining populace will retain their right to their ancestral land. Trump's controversial remarks regarding Gaza as a "demolition site" have intensified Palestinian apprehensions about potential forced relocations. The document suggests that any attempts to displace residents or annex territories would ignite further conflicts, exacerbating instability across the region.

Pressure has mounted on Arab states since Trump disclosed his ambitious promotion of a buoyant future for Gaza through an AI-enhanced video on social media, depicting a prosperous cityscape. Egypt's initiative, complete with appealing visuals of potential neighborhoods, draws inspiration not only from urban recoveries of cities like Hiroshima and Beirut but also from Egypt's own 'New Cairo' megaproject.

Funding for this ambitious recovery is a looming concern. Nevertheless, Egypt plans to host international conferences aimed at attracting investments, particularly from wealthy Gulf nations, to cover the projected reconstruction costs of up to $50 billion. Yet, the apprehension surrounding ongoing hostilities poses a hurdle for potential investors.

As discussions evolve around post-conflict governance in Gaza, a transitional management committee has been proposed, stating that it would operate under the Palestinian government’s purview. Despite Benjamin Netanyahu's dismissals of Hamas's role in future governance, the group maintains significant influence in the region, complicating potential transitions to peace.

Moreover, the draft proposal urges the establishment of UN peacekeeping forces to foster safety within both the West Bank and Gaza. Achieving consensus among Arab leaders for this plan may prove manageable, yet the practical implications regarding Hamas's involvement and the broader restructuring of Palestinian governance remain unclear. Meanwhile, Trump maintains his stance, suggesting his vision is the optimal solution for Gaza's future.