Arab leaders convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to address President Trump's proposal for the US to take control of Gaza, evict its Palestinian inhabitants, and transform it into a Middle Eastern resort destination. The meeting, attended by Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other Gulf nations, preceded a larger Arab summit scheduled for March 4. An Islamic countries meeting is also anticipated following the summit.
The Arab plan remains a point of contention, with conflicting reports emerging. Egypt's proposal, as reported by Al Ahram Weekly, outlines a 10-to-20-year strategy to rebuild Gaza with financial support from Gulf Arab states. The plan excludes Hamas from governance while allowing the 2.1 million Palestinian residents to stay. However, full Arab support for the plan is yet to be secured due to disagreements on Gaza's future governance.
Egypt's Prime Minister expressed confidence in rebuilding Gaza within three years, surpassing estimates by the World Bank, EU, and UN, which suggest a 10-year timeline and over $50 billion in costs for complete reconstruction. The Egyptian government, along with real estate developers, eyes a significant role in the rebuilding process, potentially involving contracts worth billions of dollars.
Despite the urgency to present a counterproposal to Trump, the reconstruction of Gaza is deemed a complex and lengthy endeavor. International support for governance and finance is crucial, with potential funding from the EU, Gulf nations, and public and private donations. However, challenges may arise if Israel, backing Trump's plan, refuses to cooperate.
Efforts for Gaza's reconstruction hinge on maintaining a fragile ceasefire and addressing governance and financial issues with international backing. The involvement of public and private donors, along with potential international conferences, could shape the future of Gaza's rebuilding process.
As discussions continue on Gaza's future governance and reconstruction, regional dynamics and international cooperation will play a pivotal role in shaping the postwar landscape of the region.
