Egypt plans $20 billion reconstruction strategy for Gaza

On February 20, 2025, Egypt's government announced its preparation for a $20 billion plan aimed at the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. This initiative is being designed without the necessity of relocating Palestinians, countering a controversial proposal previously introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump. In the Trump proposal, there was a suggestion to forcibly relocate a significant number of Palestinians from Gaza to Jordan and Egypt, which many Arab nations labeled as an act of forced expulsion. The Egyptian plan emphasizes the establishment of a national Palestinian committee that would govern the region independently of Hamas, thus seeking a cooperative approach to governance in Gaza. Additionally, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi is scheduled to travel to Riyadh on the same day to discuss the Arab reconstruction strategies with key nations, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. This collaborative effort aims to present a united plan during an upcoming Arab summit in Cairo next month. The Arab states are forming this proposal, particularly as a response to the criticisms surrounding Trump's plans, which many view as detrimental to the Palestinian people. The combined efforts from these nations suggest a desire to provide a stable and independent governing structure within Gaza, without the influence of Hamas or the traditional Palestinian Authority. The need for immediate reconstruction is underscored by assessments from the United Nations, European Union, and the World Bank, which collectively estimated that rebuilding efforts in Gaza would surpass $50 billion. This immense figure conveys the vast extent of damage and destruction that occurred during the recent conflict, which erupted in October 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel. The war led to widespread devastation, leaving approximately a quarter million housing units either destroyed or significantly damaged and impacting over 90% of existing roads in the region. The timeline surrounding these proposals and discussions indicates a crucial moment for Palestinian self-governance and international relations within the Arab world. As Egypt and its allies work towards this new framework for Gaza, the unresolved status of Hamas remains a significant potential obstacle. The future military and political landscape in Gaza is uncertain, and the success of rebuilding efforts will likely depend on collaboration and negotiation between various Palestinian factions, as well as foreign powers involved in the reconstruction process.