Egypt is spearheading a significant initiative to reconstruct Gaza, aiming to maintain its population within the region. This effort serves as a direct counter to U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial proposal to "take over" Gaza through the displacement of its residents. Egypt has actively engaged in discussions with European diplomats and Arab partners, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, to secure financial support for this comprehensive plan.
The reconstruction strategy is charted to unfold over three phases, anticipated to span five years. The initial phase is set to commence following an emergency Arab summit in Cairo, scheduled for February 27. During this phase, the establishment of "secure areas" within Gaza will provide temporary housing solutions through mobile houses and shelters, ensuring Palestinians can reside locally while infrastructure development progresses.
A core component of the plan involves the creation of three "safe zones" within Gaza. These zones will host Palestinians during an initial six-month "early recovery period," allowing humanitarian aid to flow into the region without disruption. The plan prioritizes the generation of tens of thousands of jobs for Gaza's population, further stabilizing the region economically and socially.
In parallel, Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz has revealed intentions to form a special directorate dedicated to facilitating the "voluntary departure" of Palestinians from Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his support for Trump's vision of a "different Gaza," emphasizing the strategic alignment with the U.S. proposal.
Conversely, Hamas has expressed readiness to relinquish control in favor of a Palestinian unity government or a technocratic committee to govern Gaza. This development underscores ongoing political dynamics within the region as stakeholders navigate toward potential governance shifts.
Egyptian officials anticipate finalizing the plan by next week, marking a pivotal step in the broader regional strategy to address both humanitarian needs and geopolitical challenges in Gaza. The collaborative effort aims to uphold regional stability while addressing the immediate necessities of Gaza's population.
