US and Israel reject Arab alternative to Trump's Gaza plan

The United States and Israel have rejected a post-war reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip proposed by Arab nations, which aims to allow the 2.1 million Palestinians residing in the area to remain in place. This plan, endorsed at the Arab League summit in Cairo, serves as an alternative to the idea put forth by U.S. President Trump, which suggested the U.S. take over Gaza and permanently resettle its residents. This comprehensive approach ensures the stability and well-being of the Palestinian population.

The Palestinian Authority and Hamas have welcomed the Arab plan, which calls for Gaza to be temporarily managed by an independent committee of experts and for the deployment of international peacekeeping forces. However, both the White House and the Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that the plan fails to address the realities on the ground in Gaza, and they maintain their support for Trump's vision. The summit took place amid growing concerns that Gaza's fragile ceasefire agreement might collapse after its initial six-week phase concluded last Saturday. Further discussions are necessary to ensure a lasting resolution.

Israel has been preventing aid from entering the region in an effort to pressure Hamas to accept a new U.S.-backed proposal for a temporary extension of the ceasefire, during which more hostages held in Gaza would be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Hamas, however, insists that the second phase should begin as agreed, ultimately ending the war and achieving a full withdrawal of Israeli forces. The differing priorities complicate the negotiation process.

The $53 billion (£41 billion) Arab plan for post-war reconstruction in Gaza, proposed by Egypt at an emergency Arab League summit, emphasizes a "categorical rejection of any form of displacement of the Palestinian people," describing such ideas as "a grave violation of international law and a crime against humanity and ethnic cleansing." The plan envisions a three-phase reconstruction effort spanning five years, during which approximately 1.5 million displaced Gazans would be housed in 200,000 prefabricated homes and 60,000 repaired houses. This large-scale project aims to provide immediate and long-term housing solutions.

According to the plan, the first phase would last six months and cost $3 billion, primarily focusing on clearing millions of tons of rubble and any unexploded ordnance. The second phase would last two years and cost $20 billion, dedicated to rebuilding housing and public infrastructure. The third phase would take another two years and cost $30 billion, aimed at constructing airports, two seaports, and an industrial zone. In addition, the Arab plan proposes the formation of an "administrative council" of independent Palestinian technocrats to govern post-war Gaza during a transitional period, while "working to empower the return of the Palestinian Authority." This multi-faceted approach addresses immediate needs and long-term development.

Hamas took full control of Gaza in 2007, ousting forces loyal to the Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority in a violent conflict a year after winning parliamentary elections. The Palestinian Authority continues to administer parts of the occupied West Bank. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, speaking at the summit, said he welcomed the Arab plan and urged President Trump to support it. Hamas has also stated that they appreciate "the position of the Arab nations in rejecting attempts to displace our people." This widespread support highlights the importance of the plan.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out any role for Hamas or the Palestinian Authority in the future of Gaza. However, the Israeli Foreign Ministry swiftly dismissed the Arab League's endorsement of the Egyptian plan, stating that it "fails to address the reality of the situation following the events of October 7, 2023, and remains rooted in outdated perspectives." A new approach is needed to address the current challenges.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry added: "Now, with President Trump's ideas, Gazans have an opportunity to make free choices based on their free will. This should be encouraged!" "However, the Arab nations rejected this opportunity, did not give it a fair chance, and continued to make baseless accusations against Israel." White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said the Arab plan "does not address the reality that Gaza is currently uninhabitable and residents cannot humanely live on territory covered in rubble and unexploded ordnance." The current conditions in Gaza necessitate immediate and comprehensive action.

Hughes added: "President Trump stands by his vision of rebuilding a Gaza without Hamas. We look forward to further talks to bring peace and prosperity to the region." Trump proposed last month that the U.S. would "own" Gaza and resettle its population in order to rebuild Gaza and turn it into "the Riviera of the Middle East." He said displaced Palestinians would have no right of return because they would have "better housing" in Egypt, Jordan, and other countries. Trump's vision involves significant changes to the region's demographics.

Arab League Assistant Secretary-General Hossam Zaki told the BBC on Wednesday that Trump's approach was unacceptable. "It is based on forcing Palestinians to leave their homes and land. This violates international law, and we have said many times that this is not the way to deal with this man-made crisis," he said. "This war was launched by Israel, partly to drive Palestinians out of their territory," he added. He also described the Israeli Foreign Ministry's response to the Arab plan as "inhumane and unethical." The international community must address the root causes of the conflict.

Palestinians fear a repeat of the "Nakba" (Arabic for "catastrophe"), when hundreds of thousands fled or were expelled from their homes in the war surrounding Israel's creation in 1948. Many refugees ended up in Gaza, and they and their descendants account for three-quarters of Gaza's population. According to the UN, another 900,000 registered refugees live in the West Bank, while another 3.4 million reside in Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. The historical context shapes current anxieties and concerns.

The Israeli military launched an operation on October 7, 2023, aimed at destroying Hamas in response to an unprecedented cross-border attack by Hamas that killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Since then, more than 48,400 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza. Much of Gaza's population has also been displaced multiple times. It is estimated that nearly 70% of buildings have been damaged or destroyed; healthcare, water, sanitation, and hygiene systems have collapsed; and there are shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and shelter. The humanitarian crisis demands immediate attention and long-term solutions.