US and Israel Dismiss Arab Leaders' Reconstruction Plan for Gaza

Amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises in Gaza, the US and Israel have rejected an Arab plan aimed at reconstructing the region, endorsing instead President Trump's controversial proposal for resettlement and reconstruction efforts.

The US and Israel have turned down an Arab initiative designed to facilitate the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip following ongoing warfare, which would allow the 2.1 million Palestinians residing there to remain in their homes. This proposal, presented at a summit in Cairo, was embraced by Arab leaders as a counter to President Donald Trump's controversial idea for American administration of Gaza and the permanent resettlement of its population.

The Palestinian Authority and Hamas have expressed their support for the Arab plan, which advocates for a temporary administration overseen by independent experts and the deployment of international peacekeepers. However, representatives from both the White House and the Israeli foreign ministry dismissed the plan, asserting it does not align with the current realities in Gaza, and reaffirmed their commitment to Trump's vision.

As tensions rise, concerns grow that a fragile ceasefire might unravel following the expiration of its first phase a week ago. Israel has restricted humanitarian aid to Gaza, further pressuring Hamas to agree to a new US proposal intended to extend the truce temporarily, facilitating the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Hamas maintains that the next phase should commence as initially stipulated, seeking both an end to hostilities and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces.

The $53 billion Arab reconstruction strategy, articulated by Egypt during an emergency Arab League summit, emphasizes "the unequivocal rejection of any displacement of Palestinian people," labeling such displacement as a violation of international law and a crime against humanity. This plan lays out a three-phase reconstruction effort, projected to span five years and include the rebuilding of homes, infrastructure, and essential services.

In the initial phase, set to last six months at an estimated cost of $3 billion, efforts would focus on clearing rubble and securing the area from unexploded ordnance. The second phase, slated for two years and costing $20 billion, would concentrate on reconstructing housing and utilities, while the final phase would involve the development of an airport, two seaports, and an industrial area over an additional two years with a budget of $30 billion.

The plan calls for an "administrative committee" composed of independent Palestinian experts to govern post-conflict Gaza during a transitional period, ultimately empowering the Palestinian Authority to regain control. Hamas, in power since 2007 following violent clashes with the Fatah-led PA, welcomed the Arab initiative and the rejection of displacement.

Despite this, Israel's foreign ministry swiftly rebuffed the Arab League’s plan, claiming it fails to account for the transformative changes post-October 7, 2023. They argued that Trump's proposal presents a unique opportunity for Gazans to choose their future, which Arab nations have not adequately considered.

Moreover, the White House's National Security Council argued the Arab proposal does not address the reality of Gaza being uninhabitable amidst debris and danger. Trump’s vision entailed establishing the US as a steward for Gaza, suggesting displaced Palestinians would find better housing in Egypt, Jordan, and other countries.

Contrarily, the Arab League’s assistant secretary general condemned Trump’s approach as unacceptable, stating it promotes forced displacement and violates international law. He criticized Israel's dismissal of the Arab plan as immoral and detrimental to the humanitarian situation.

The fear of repeating the Nakba—often referred to as "catastrophe"— LOoms among Palestinians, exacerbated by a history of displacement originating during Israel’s formation in 1948. Currently, many residents in Gaza are already subject to multiple displacements, grappling with the destruction of infrastructure, scarcity of resources, and collapsing healthcare systems in the continuing aftermath of fierce conflict, which has resulted in significant casualties and debilitating humanitarian crises in the region.