Global Reactions to Egypt's $53bn Gaza Reconstruction Plan

Global reactions to Egypt’s $53bn Gaza Reconstruction Plan. The Egypt-led $53 billion Gaza reconstruction plan has garnered broad international support, with notable endorsements from the Arab League and the Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The plan, which aims to rebuild the war-torn Gaza Strip, is designed in three phases and seeks to restore housing, infrastructure, and governance under the Palestinian Authority.

However, the proposal has faced significant opposition from the United States, led by former President Donald Trump, who has criticized the plan and called for the ousting of the Palestinians, referring to them as “people of the area.” Israel has also rejected the plan, stating that it fails to address the realities post-October 7 attacks, and reaffirmed its support for Trump’s vision of a U.S.-controlled Gaza, which includes forcibly displacing its population.

In contrast, European powers including France, the UK, Italy, and Germany have expressed support for the plan, calling it a “realistic” approach to rebuilding Gaza. These nations have emphasized the need for a cooperative effort in the region and the importance of restoring stability.

The Gaza reconstruction plan outlines the following three phases:

Phase 1 – Interim Measures ($3bn): To be managed by a Palestinian Authority technocratic committee, it aims to build 200,000 homes and restore 60,000 buildings within six months.
Phase 2 – Reconstruction ($20bn): This phase will focus on building 400,000 homes, restoring essential services like water, waste management, telecom, and electricity, and developing industrial and commercial hubs, including a fishing port, commercial port, and airport.
Phase 3 – Governance ($30bn): This phase includes the establishment of a technocratic committee to oversee humanitarian aid and governance, supported by a Steering and Management Council.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has suggested that elections could take place next year, contingent on the situation improving in Gaza.

While the plan is met with differing reactions, it remains a pivotal part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and rebuild the region’s infrastructure.