Egypt has unveiled an ambitious $53 billion plan to rebuild war-ravaged Gaza over five years, focusing on emergency relief, infrastructure restoration, and economic development, according to a draft document seen by AFP.
The proposal was discussed at an Arab summit in Cairo on Tuesday, countering a controversial plan by U.S. President Donald Trump, which suggested assuming control of Gaza and relocating its Palestinian population to Egypt and Jordan.
Palestinians, along with Arab nations and many world governments, have strongly opposed Trump’s proposal, rejecting any efforts to expel Gazans from their homeland.
Two-Phase Recovery Plan
The Egyptian plan outlines two phases: an early recovery phase lasting six months, with a $3 billion budget for mine removal, debris clearance, and temporary housing, and a longer reconstruction phase.
To address urgent shelter needs, Egypt proposes setting up seven designated sites within Gaza to house over 1.5 million displaced people in temporary units.
Additionally, initial repairs would be made to 60,000 damaged homes, accommodating 360,000 people.
The reconstruction phase would take place in two stages over four and a half years.
The first stage, running until 2027 with a $20 billion budget, would focus on roads, utility networks, and public services.
It also includes building 200,000 permanent homes and reclaiming 20,000 acres of land.
The second stage, extending to 2030 at an estimated $30 billion, aims to complete infrastructure projects, build an additional 200,000 homes, and develop industrial zones, a fishing port, a commercial seaport, and an airport.
Funding and Governance
To ensure transparency, Egypt proposes an internationally supervised trust fund to manage the financial aspects of the plan.
Cairo will also host a high-level ministerial conference this month to bring together donor countries, financial institutions, and private sector representatives.
The plan envisions sidelining Hamas and replacing it with a committee of independent technocrats under the Palestinian Authority (PA) to manage Gaza for a transitional six-month period.
The PA, which ruled Gaza before Hamas seized control in 2007, would then assume full governance.
Egypt and Jordan are reportedly training PA-affiliated security forces to maintain law and order in Gaza.
The proposal also raises the possibility of an international presence, including a potential UN Security Council resolution for peacekeeping forces.
The Arab summit’s draft final communique calls for Palestinian elections within a year, contingent on necessary conditions being met.
On Tuesday, Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas indicated that presidential and legislative elections could take place next year, marking a potential shift in Gaza’s future.
