• Egypt unveils a comprehensive $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza to counter President Trump's controversial proposal.
• The plan aims to replace Hamas governance with interim bodies led by Palestinian professionals to facilitate stability.
• Key phases include immediate humanitarian aid, infrastructure rebuilding, and long-term development efforts over several years.
• Arab leaders convened in Cairo to discuss funding and support for the Egyptian initiative amidst rising tensions and uncertainties.

In a significant move, Egypt has unveiled a $53 billion plan aimed at reconstructing Gaza, presented during an emergency summit of Arab leaders held in Cairo. This initiative is formulated as a counter to President Donald Trump's proposal which seeks to manage the region under a framework dubbed the "Middle East Riviera," a plan that has faced substantial backlash from Palestinians and Arab nations alike.

The Egyptian proposal outlines two distinct phases: an immediate recovery phase lasting six months, focused on emergency relief, de-mining, and providing temporary housing, followed by a longer-term reconstruction phase that emphasizes the restoration of essential infrastructure and economic development. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, speaking at the summit, affirmed that the Palestinian Authority (PA) would regain control of Gaza under this plan, facilitating a shift away from Hamas's governance.

During his address, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi highlighted the importance of establishing an independent administrative committee composed of Palestinian professionals to oversee Gaza's management. This committee would be responsible for humanitarian aid distribution during a transitional period, ultimately leading to the reestablishment of the PA's authority. Notably, this approach directly counters the U.S. strategy which has been criticized for potentially displacing the Palestinian populace.

The economic framework for this $53 billion initiative includes an initial outlay of $3 billion aimed at emergency efforts, contributing to ongoing humanitarian crises. Key aspects of the plan involve rebuilding vital infrastructure such as roads and housing for the displaced, with construction projected to provide over 400,000 housing units in total over a total timeline extending to 2030.

Arab leaders are faced with the challenge of identifying funding sources to actualize this ambitious blueprint, where the cooperation of oil-rich Gulf states like the UAE and Saudi Arabia will be crucial. The summit has also highlighted the necessity of international involvement, with the potential establishment of a trust fund aimed at ensuring accountability and transparency in the allocation and utilization of resources.

Notably, the Egyptian plan has met resistance from Hamas, which has explicitly rejected any external imposition of governance. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri emphasized, "The day after in Gaza must only be decided by the Palestinians," signaling the group's unwillingness to forfeit its control.

The urgency of this summit stems from the fragility surrounding the ceasefire established post the October 7, 2023 attacks initiated by Hamas, which resulted in more than 1,200 Israeli casualties.Reuters reports high concerns over the potential implications of Trump's proposal, which might precipitate wider regional instability if implemented.

As discussions unfold, the Egyptian initiative stands as a pivotal move aimed at reaffirming Palestinian self-governance and addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of Gaza. The convergence of Arab leaders signifies a collective commitment to reshaping the region's future, rejecting displacement strategies, and advocating for a unified Palestinian governance structure.

For more details about Egypt's plan, visit the full article on Le Monde.