Arab Leaders Endorse Egypt’s Plan To Rebuild Gaza

Arab leaders have approved an Egyptian plan for rebuilding the Gaza Strip as an alternative to U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to depopulate the territory.

The $53 billion plan’s endorsement at a summit in Cairo amounted to rejecting Trump’s proposal. Hamas welcomed the summit conclusions, Israel rejected them, and the Trump administration responded lukewarmly.

Egypt’s plan foresees rebuilding Gaza by 2030 without removing its population. The first phase calls for starting the removal of unexploded ordnance and clearing more than 50 million tonnes of rubble left by Israel’s bombardment and military offensives.

In the following years, the plan envisages completely reshaping the strip, building sustainable housing and urban areas with renewable energy, renovating agricultural lands, and creating industrial zones and large park areas.

Under the proposal, Hamas would cede power to an interim administration of political independents until a reformed Palestinian Authority can assume control. AP said.