Faith Nyasuguta
Egypt has announced plans to present a “comprehensive” strategy for rebuilding Gaza while ensuring Palestinians remain in their homeland.
The initiative comes as U.S. President Donald Trump advances his controversial plan to transform Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East” by expelling its Palestinian residents. Trump’s vision, supported by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has been widely condemned by Arab nations, who assert that Gaza is the rightful homeland of Palestinians.
In response, Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Tuesday that it would cooperate with the U.S. to develop a reconstruction vision that preserves Palestinian rights and avoids displacement. Egypt emphasized that any peace solution must support the two-state framework, viewing it as the only path to stability and coexistence in the region.
Egypt’s proposed plan is aimed at countering Trump’s agenda, which involves relocating Palestinians to neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan. However, Egypt’s statement did not provide specific details about the reconstruction strategy or funding sources.
Gaza has suffered extensive destruction from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with the United Nations estimating that 92% of all buildings have been damaged or destroyed. According to Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Special Envoy to the Middle East, rebuilding Gaza could take 10 to 15 years.
In light of the escalating tensions, Egypt will host an emergency summit of Arab nations on February 27, led by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordanian King Abdullah II. The summit was requested by Palestinian leadership in the West Bank and follows extensive consultations among Arab nations.
The meeting aims to address the latest developments in the Palestinian cause and counter Trump’s plan, which proposes the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza. Arab leaders have united in opposition to this proposal, emphasizing the importance of Gaza’s reconstruction without displacing its people.
Jordanian King Abdullah, currently visiting the U.S., expressed firm opposition to Trump’s plan after meeting with him. He reaffirmed the unified Arab stance against the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. In a statement on X, Abdullah stressed, “Rebuilding Gaza without displacing Palestinians and addressing the dire humanitarian situation should be the priority for all.”
Egypt’s initiative signals a diplomatic effort to safeguard Palestinian rights and push for a two-state solution amidst mounting regional tensions.
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