Egypt is working on a comprehensive plan to reconstruct Gaza without displacing its Palestinian population, in response to President Donald Trump's proposal to depopulate the territory for U.S. control. The plan, as reported by Egypt's state-run Al-Ahram newspaper, involves creating 'secure areas' within Gaza where Palestinians can reside temporarily while Egyptian and international construction firms repair and upgrade the strip's infrastructure.
Discussions about the plan have taken place between Egyptian officials, European diplomats, and representatives from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Funding for the reconstruction, including the possibility of an international conference on Gaza's rebuilding, is also being explored.
Trump's proposal to remove Gaza's population of around 2 million Palestinians has been met with widespread opposition. Egypt, Jordan, and other countries have rejected the idea of absorbing Gaza's residents. Rights groups have criticized the plan as a form of forced expulsion.
The proposed reconstruction plan by Egypt aims to counter Trump's vision and any other plans that seek to alter Gaza's demographic and geographic structure. It emphasizes the establishment of a Palestinian administration independent of Hamas or the Palestinian Authority to oversee the reconstruction efforts.
The plan envisions a three-phase reconstruction process lasting up to five years, with the initial phase involving the creation of 'safe zones' within Gaza for temporary relocation of Palestinians. These zones would be equipped with housing and humanitarian aid.
The reconstruction effort, involving Egyptian and international firms, is expected to provide employment opportunities for tens of thousands of Gaza's residents. The plan also includes the formation of a Palestinian police force, with a focus on former Palestinian Authority officers and support from Egyptian- and Western-trained forces.
Efforts to finalize the reconstruction plan are ongoing, with discussions scheduled among Arab countries in Riyadh before being presented at an upcoming Arab summit. The proposal represents a significant alternative to Trump's controversial plan for Gaza's future.
