Egypt has unveiled a preliminary plan to reconstruct the Gaza Strip over three to five years, a proposal notably absent of any collaboration with the United States or Israel.
According to an i24 News reporter, Egyptian sources cited by Qatari Al Araby TV attributed the plan’s genesis to a recent proposal by President Trump, which suggested U.S. takeover of Gaza and the forceful displacement of its Palestinian population.
The Egyptian reconstruction plan reportedly involves cooperation among Arab nations, the European Union, and the United Nations.
Digital could not independently verify the plan’s details with officials from the White House, the UN, Qatar, or Egypt.
While EU sources acknowledged anticipation of a plan’s release at a future Arab summit, they denied knowledge of their or the UN’s involvement.
Further details suggest a two-phased approach prioritizing debris removal and residential construction.
This plan’s release followed Egypt’s declaration of its aspiration to cooperate with President Trump while simultaneously condemning his Gaza takeover proposal.
The Egyptian ministry emphasized that lasting regional peace necessitates addressing the root conflict—Israel’s occupation—through a significantly different reconstruction plan than Trump’s.
During a White House meeting, President Trump reiterated his intention to seize, control, and cherish Gaza.
Despite Jordan and Egypt’s rejection of Trump’s “takeover” plan, Richard Goldberg, a former National Security Council official, suggested the President’s statements prompted their reactive measures.
King Abdullah announced Jordan’s acceptance of up to 2,000 children from Gaza requiring medical treatment, a decision contrasting with previous refusals to accept Gazans post-October 7th attacks.
“These governments are likely reacting to the President’s clear vision and determination,” Goldberg stated. “Initial responses may be superficial, aiming to appease Trump.”
“However, this President is unlikely to be swayed by such tactics.”
President Trump has expressed potential for transforming Gaza into a “Riviera of the Middle East” or a “diamond”.
King Abdullah declined to directly address questions about the U.S. takeover.
“The key is how we make this beneficial for everyone,” Abdullah pondered. “We need to consider the interests of the U.S. and the regional population, particularly Jordanians.”
“We’ll discuss this in Saudi Arabia to collaborate with the President and the U.S. Let’s await the Egyptian presentation to the President before drawing conclusions.”
Later, King Abdullah expressed gratitude for a “constructive meeting” while reiterating Jordan’s opposition to Palestinian displacement in Gaza and the West Bank, aligning with the unified Arab stance.
“Prioritizing Gaza’s reconstruction without displacement and addressing the humanitarian crisis is crucial,” he emphasized, mirroring Egypt’s foreign ministry statement. “Just peace based on a two-state solution is essential for regional stability.”