Egypt proposes $20 billion plan to rebuild Gaza amid tensions

In February 2025, Egypt, in collaboration with Gulf states and Jordan, is preparing a comprehensive plan to address the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip following the devastating Israel-Hamas war that erupted in October 2023. This plan, estimated at $20 billion, is designed to avoid forced relocations of the Palestinian population, in stark contrast to previous proposals that called for the resettlement of Gazans to Jordan and Egypt, which were labeled as forced expulsion by Arab leaders. As negotiations intensify in Riyadh, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi is leading discussions with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, emphasizing the need for a governance system in Gaza that does not involve Hamas or the Palestinian Authority. The proposed plan outlines a phased approach to reconstruction, beginning with the establishment of safe zones to temporarily house those displaced by the conflict. The second phase aims to initiate rebuilding efforts with the support of international donors, while a political process aimed at establishing a two-state solution is set to take place in the final phase. The overall reconstruction costs are highlighted by the World Bank to exceed $50 billion, signaling a significant financial commitment from the region to aid in Gaza's recovery. As the Arab League summit approaches on March 4, 2025, where the reconstruction framework will be presented, leaders are united in their goal to establish an alternative narrative to Donald Trump's proposal for Gaza, which many have criticized for threatening the rights and existence of the Palestinian people. The responses from involved nations reflect a collective diplomatic effort to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza while promoting regional stability through a locally governed, Palestinians-led approach. The ongoing discussions also underscore the complexities of Gaza's governance and the future of Hamas's military presence in the region, which remains a significant hurdle in garnering support for the proposed reconstruction efforts. Despite the challenges, the Arab coalition aims to restore hope and stability in Gaza, which has been ravaged by conflict and humanitarian crises in recent years.