TLDR:
• $53 billion plan counters Trump’s displacement proposal
• Arab League rejects “illegal American visions”
• Israeli ministry calls plan “outdated perspectives”
CAIRO (The Thursday Times) — Arab leaders have convened in Egypt’s new administrative capital to announce a $53 billion reconstruction blueprint for the Gaza Strip, designed explicitly to foil President Donald Trump’s proposal for mass Palestinian displacement and to re-establish a more stable and accountable authority in the enclave. They dismiss Trump’s idea as a destabilising move that undermines regional equilibrium and runs counter to Palestinian rights on their own land.
Massive fund to rebuild and retain residents
The cornerstone of the summit’s discussions is a comprehensive, multi-phase plan to keep Palestinians in Gaza while restoring essential infrastructure and reviving social services. Officials envision removing debris, setting up temporary housing clusters and methodically refurbishing neighbourhoods. Arab governments agree that empowering the Palestinian Authority (PA) is critical to ensuring a legitimate, corruption-resistant administration that can stand on its own once the immediate rebuilding phase concludes.
Arab League rejects forced relocation
In sharp rebuke of external proposals for relocating Palestinians, Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit emphasised the collective stance, making it clear that any attempt to uproot Gaza’s population is unacceptable. “We cannot accept illegal American projects and visions in the region,” he said, underscoring the organisation’s commitment to a permanent Palestinian presence in Gaza.
Israeli criticism and Trump’s idea for “free will”
Israel’s Foreign Ministry sharply criticised the summit’s joint statement, calling it “rooted in outdated perspectives.” A spokesman asserted on social media that President Trump’s displacement concept offers “an opportunity for the Gazans to have free choice based on their free will.” According to this view, by dismissing the proposal outright, Arab nations fail to explore alternative solutions that might end hostilities.
Pathway for Palestinian Authority return
The $53 billion reconstruction scheme also aims to create a new interim administrative committee composed of technocrats, paving the way for the PA to assume administrative and security responsibilities over Gaza. Egypt and Jordan propose training a restructured security force to safeguard the enclave and reassure donor nations that any funds will be managed responsibly.
Peacekeeping and diplomatic overtures
Alongside the multi-billion-dollar reconstruction plan, Arab leaders want an international peacekeeping force deployed in Gaza and the West Bank to stabilise conditions on the ground. Proponents argue that external peacekeepers could protect civilians while affording both sides an opportunity to pursue a final resolution of key territorial and political disputes.
However, some factions in Gaza remain wary of foreign troops, citing concerns over sovereignty and the potential erosion of legitimate resistance to occupation. Backers of the plan insist that once a credible political horizon emerges, militant groups will feel greater incentive to participate in demilitarisation talks.
Donors and transparency measures
Wealthy Arab nations have signalled caution about pouring billions into a region known for political turbulence, prompting leaders to set up a trust fund under strict international oversight. This approach is designed to ensure that rebuilding funds are used efficiently, enhance transparency and foster global confidence in the project.
Egypt and Jordan aim to help train Gaza’s future administrators, equipping them with the skills needed to handle complex governance and budgeting tasks. Observers suggest that donor nations, especially in the Gulf, may be more inclined to contribute once they see strong accountability measures in place.
Fragile ceasefire and looming risks
A delicate ceasefire still holds but is threatened by sporadic incidents and the absence of concrete steps towards a lasting accord. Regional officials say progress on prisoner swaps, expanded humanitarian access and Israeli military withdrawal must materialise swiftly to prevent an eruption of violence.
Israel warns it will tighten its blockade if militant attacks persist, while Arab leaders call for restraint on all sides. This reconstruction plan is seen as a pivotal opportunity to address systemic grievances and guide the region towards a more stable future, but success depends on broad-based cooperation.
Global push for Gaza revival
Arab leaders intend to present their $53 billion strategy to international donors at a forthcoming conference, hoping to attract funding from across the Middle East, Europe and beyond. The plan, they argue, provides a realistic counterweight to displacement scenarios, reinforces Palestinian self-governance and promises a blueprint for long-term peace.
Though challenges loom—particularly disarming rogue factions and unifying Palestinian governance—the architects of this initiative remain convinced that a robust reconstruction agenda, underpinned by global support, is Gaza’s best chance for a stable and dignified future.