A $53 billion (£41.4 billion) reconstruction initiative, seen as a counter to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s idea of “taking over Gaza” and relocating over two million Palestinians, has been endorsed by Arab leaders at an emergency summit held in Cairo, Egypt.
“The Egypt plan is now an Arab plan,” declared Ahmed Aboul Gheit, secretary general of the Arab League, following the prolonged meeting.
Without directly mentioning Trump’s proposal, Aboul Gheit emphasized the unified Arab stance against any form of Palestinian displacement, whether voluntary or forced.
Egypt developed a comprehensive blueprint, encapsulated in a 91-page glossy document filled with images depicting green neighborhoods and grand public structures, aiming to provide an alternative to a U.S.-led scheme dubbed the “Middle East Riviera,” which had sparked widespread alarm across the Arab world and beyond.
The new plan extends beyond real estate development, focusing on political solutions and the rights of Palestinians.
Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, in his opening speech, urged for a simultaneous political process alongside the reconstruction effort, advocating for a two-state solution—a Palestinian state coexisting with Israel. This framework is widely recognized by Arab nations and much of the international community as the only viable resolution to the conflict, yet it remains firmly opposed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies.
Under this new proposal, Gaza would temporarily be administered by a “Gaza management committee under the umbrella of the Palestinian government,” composed of skilled technocrats.
The document does not clarify what role, if any, Hamas would have in this administration. It only briefly alludes to militant groups as an “obstacle” and suggests that their presence would be addressed if the fundamental causes of the conflict with Israel were resolved.
Opinions among Arab states vary regarding Hamas’ future; some call for its complete dissolution, while others believe that decision should be left to the Palestinian people. Reports suggest that Hamas has acknowledged it will not participate in governing Gaza but remains adamant that it will not disarm.
Netanyahu, who has called Trump’s plan “visionary,” has ruled out any future governance by both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.
The critical issue of security is addressed by calling for the deployment of international peacekeepers under the United Nations Security Council.
A large-scale international conference is scheduled for next month to secure the necessary funds for the ambitious reconstruction effort.
Wealthy Gulf nations have signaled a willingness to contribute to the massive financial requirement. However, potential donors remain hesitant, unwilling to invest unless assured that their contributions will not be obliterated in another conflict.
The fragility of the current ceasefire, now appearing to be at risk of collapse, only heightens this uncertainty.
The Arab reconstruction plan outlines a three-phase process, beginning with an initial six-month “early recovery stage” focused on clearing the extensive debris and unexploded ordnance. The following two phases are expected to span several years.
During the early stage, approximately 1.5 million displaced Palestinians would be housed in temporary container units. The proposal’s accompanying images showcase these units as well-constructed homes surrounded by landscaped environments.
Trump continues to question, “Why wouldn’t they want to move?” His characterization of Gaza as a “demolition site” underscores the devastation in the territory, with the United Nations estimating that 90% of homes are either damaged or destroyed.
Essential services such as schools, hospitals, sewage infrastructure, and electricity grids have been almost entirely obliterated.
Trump further stirred controversy by posting an AI-generated video on his Truth Social account, depicting a gleaming, luxurious vision of Gaza. The video featured a golden statue of himself, Elon Musk snacking on a beach, and shirtless images of Trump and Netanyahu basking in the sun—all set to a catchy tune proclaiming, “Trump Gaza is finally here.”
“They had President Trump in mind,” observed a Western diplomat who attended a briefing on Egypt’s plan at the foreign ministry in Cairo. “It’s very glossy and very well-prepared.”
Egypt’s proposal reportedly draws from a broad array of expertise, incorporating insights from World Bank specialists on sustainability and Dubai developers on hospitality.
Additionally, the blueprint reflects lessons learned from the rebuilding of cities devastated by war, including Hiroshima, Beirut, and Berlin. Egypt’s own experience in constructing its ambitious “New Cairo” project, a costly new administrative capital emerging from the desert, has also played a role in shaping the design.
Trump has stated that he will not “force” his vision on anyone but insists that his plan is “the one that really works.”
Now, it is up to Arab states and their allies to demonstrate that their proposal is the definitive solution.