The Arab League Proposes an Alternative Gaza Reconstruction Plan

On March 4, members of the Arab League gathered for an emergency meeting in Cairo to discuss a counterproposal to Trump’s intended plan to displace Palestinians from Gaza. The 112-page proposal, spearheaded by Egypt and endorsed by Arab states, entails a reconstruction plan that would cost $53 billion and ensure Gaza’s population remains. The plan aims to complete the rebuilding process by 2030. 

According to The Guardian, most of the funding from the endorsement would go toward rebuilding over 200,000 housing units, as well as constructing an airport in Gaza, since Israel destroyed Gaza’s only airport back in 2001. According to AP News, since the genocide ensued, Israel has demolished over 60,000 buildings, including residential homes, schools, and hospitals. The proposed reconstruction plan would include rebuilding infrastructure, developing roads and neighborhoods, and constructing a fishing and commercial port.

The draft plan also envisions new governance in Gaza by "independent Palestinian technocrats," overseeing the entry of humanitarian aid with a Governance Assistance Mission as its supporting body. This could potentially lead to disarming Hamas. Hamas has welcomed the Arab proposal but has made it clear that its disarmament would be a "red line." Hamas also emphasized the importance of "implementing the reconstruction plan, ensuring the urgent delivery of aid, and working to solidify the ceasefire and ensure that its terms are followed as agreed." 

According to Al Jazeera, the plan further explores the possibility of both presidential and parliamentary elections occurring within the next year, 'if circumstances allow,' as stated by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Middle East Monitor reported that President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed Egypt’s proposed plan. The publication reported that Abbas stressed that the priority is to strengthen and establish the ceasefire, provide humanitarian aid, the complete withdrawal the Israeli occupation forces, and have the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) assume its full responsibilities in Gaza.”

This settlement contrasts Trump’s intended plan, which involves purchasing Gaza, displacing over two million Palestinians, and transforming the area into a holiday hub. According to PBS news, however, Arab nations fully endorse reconstructing Gaza and keeping Palestinians in their homeland. 

Egyptian president Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi stated at the March 4 summit that this new deal “...preserves the right of Palestinian people in rebuilding their nation and guarantees their existence on their land.” 

According to Al Jazeera, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), along with European nations including France, Germany, Italy, and the UK have backed the Arab-led proposal. Israel, however, has rejected the proposal entirely, stating that it does not take into regard “...the realities of the situation following Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel.” According to AP News, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stated, “Israel violates all international law rules … the international law must be imposed.” He expands stating, “No single state should be allowed to impose its will on the international community.” 

On March 5, President Donald Trump issued a warning to Palestinians in Gaza, writing on his social media platform, Truth Social, “Also, to the people of Gaza: A beautiful future awaits but not if you hold hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER.”

The need to rebuild Gaza and create a lasting and thriving future for Palestinians is urgent. Such plans, however, have been thrust aside as Israel resumed its bombing campaign of Gaza last week.