In a significant slam to Arab-led efforts for post-war recovery, the Trump administration has officially rejected a comprehensive plan for the reconstruction of Gaza that has been endorsed by several Arab leaders. The proposal, which encompasses a $53 billion investment aimed at rebuilding the war-torn territory by 2030, has been sidelined as President Trump insists on a vastly different approach that includes expelling Palestinian residents. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes articulated the administration’s stance, emphasizing that the current plan does not account for the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza. “The present proposal does not address the reality that Gaza is currently uninhabitable,” Hughes stated.
The Arab-backed initiative proposed by Egypt envisions a transitional government taking charge of Gaza while paving the way for a reformed Palestinian Authority (PA) and allowing the area’s two million residents to remain. However, Trump’s vision starkly contrasts this, focusing on a reconstruction effort that he claims would be free from Hamas, pledging to transform Gaza into a ‘riviera’ controlled by the United States.
In response to these developments, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has expressed a commitment to holding general elections across the West Bank, Gaza, and east Jerusalem, potentially marking the first time in nearly two decades that such an election would occur. Abbas stated the elections would proceed “if circumstances are suitable.”
While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refrained from detailing his vision for Gaza’s post-war governance, he publicly supports Trump’s outlined plan for a remodeled territory, simultaneously rejecting both Hamas and the PA as governing bodies.
The ambitious Arab nations’ initiative includes proposals for large-scale infrastructure improvements, including shopping malls, an international convention center, and even an airport within five years. The first phase focuses on removing unexploded ordnance and clearing away debris resulting from the extensive Israeli bombardment, which has left Gaza in critical conditions.
However, critical voices arise from the region, with many questioning the level of support for the Arab-led plan. Notably absent from the endorsement were leaders from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, whose economic backing is essential for any reconstruction strategy, raising doubts about its feasibility.
In the wake of these proposals, Hamas officials have issued firm statements regarding their non-negotiable stance on their current military capabilities. They have reiterated their unwillingness to disarm, framing any negotiations around reconstruction as unacceptable. For Hamas, the perception of strength remains crucial for their standing among Palestinians, amidst shifting dynamics within the region.
The ceasefire in Gaza has likewise become an issue of contention, as tensions remain high and allegations of human rights violations abound in the political and humanitarian discourse surrounding the Israeli blockade on essential supplies to Gaza. Critics highlight that Israel’s actions defy international obligations as an occupying power.