U.S. Government Dismisses Arab Leaders' Plan for Gaza Reconstruction.
The U.S. emphasizes its own perspective for Gaza in the context of regional tensions and political intricacies.
In a crucial update about the future of the Gaza Strip, the Trump administration has officially rejected a reconstruction proposal backed by Arab leaders, reaffirming its commitment to its own vision for the area.
Brian Hughes, spokesman for the National Security Council, commented that the existing proposal fails to adequately address the living conditions in Gaza, which he characterized as uninhabitable due to debris and unexploded munitions.
Hughes remarked, "President Trump is committed to his vision to rebuild Gaza free from Hamas. We look forward to continued discussions to foster peace and prosperity in the region."
The plan suggested by Egypt requires Hamas, the ruling body in Gaza, to cede power to a transitional administration until a reformed Palestinian Authority (PA) can take charge.
This initiative aims to allow roughly 2 million Palestinians living in Gaza to remain, sharply contrasting with U.S. proposals that suggest expelling residents and transforming the region into a development zone overseen by the United States.
During a speech in Cairo, PA President Mahmoud Abbas expressed his intentions to organize general elections in the West Bank, Gaza, and occupied East Jerusalem for the first time in nearly two decades, depending on favorable conditions.
At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not provided a clear vision for Gaza's future, aside from showing support for a reimagined Gaza as outlined in Trump’s plan.
Arab nations have presented a comprehensive $53 billion reconstruction proposal, targeting completion by 2030. The initial phase includes efforts to clear over 50 million tons of debris and eliminate unexploded ordnance from military conflicts.
Reports suggest that Jordanian officials will soon bring the plan to President Trump.
Despite the backing from Arab countries for Egypt's proposal, its acceptance within the region remains uncertain.
The document lays out ambitious goals for Gaza, including the creation of shopping centers, an international convention center, and an airport within five years, along with infrastructure aimed at enticing tourism to the coastal enclave.
In addressing security concerns, the plan acknowledges the difficulties of disarming militants in Gaza, proposing that the underlying causes of the conflict must be tackled through a credible political process.
However, senior Hamas officials have firmly opposed disarmament.
Sami Abu Zuhri stated that Hamas's weapons are non-negotiable, asserting that “The weapon of the resistance is a red line, and it is not negotiable.” Analysts have noted Hamas's mixed signals regarding its potential future role, indicating a willingness to discuss demilitarization but insisting that such discussions should not precondition peace negotiations.
Complicating matters further, Hamas official Husam Badran indicated that the group might consider stepping back from governance in Gaza, provided that this transition remains a domestic Palestinian affair without external intervention.
Currently, the ceasefire that began in January is at risk.
After the initial phase ended, Israel indicated it would support an alternative U.S. proposal to extend the cessation of hostilities, while maintaining a blockade on food, fuel, and medical supplies to Gaza.
This measure aims to pressure Hamas into accepting proposed conditions.
The blockade has faced widespread criticism, as human rights organizations argue it violates the international law obligations of an occupying power.
During the summit focused on regional reconstruction discussions, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi stressed that a genuine peace resolution would necessitate the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Meanwhile, Israel remains focused on retaining security control over both Gaza and the West Bank, territories it captured in the 1967 war, within a political landscape that largely opposes Palestinian statehood.