CAIRO — Egypt is working on a strategy to reconstruct Gaza while ensuring that the Palestinian population remains in their homeland, in response to President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal that suggested relocating residents so the U.S. could take control of the area. The state-run Al-Ahram newspaper reported that the Egyptian initiative aims to set up “secure areas” within Gaza, allowing Palestinians to stay as construction contractors from Egypt and other nations repair the territory’s infrastructure.
Egyptian officials are in discussions with diplomats from Europe and Arab nations such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates about the reconstruction plan, which includes exploring potential financial support through an international conference dedicated to rebuilding Gaza. These conversations are ongoing, with officials and diplomats speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the negotiations.
This proposal comes in light of widespread condemnation over Trump’s remarks suggesting that Gaza’s population of roughly two million Palestinians should be removed. He envisioned transforming the Gaza Strip into a “Riviera of the Middle East,” but stated that those displaced would not be permitted to return. Palestinian leaders have firmly rejected any notion of leaving their ancestral land, while Egypt, Jordan, and Gulf allies have resisted Trump’s calls for them to absorb Gaza’s residents. Rights organizations have criticized the proposal as tantamount to forced displacement, which could be classified as a war crime, while European countries have largely condemned Trump’s approach. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, has praised the idea and indicated readiness to support it.
During a recent trip to Saudi Arabia, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked that the U.S. is open to considering alternative proposals. “If the Arab countries have a better plan, then that’s great,” he noted.
Egypt’s Al-Ahram newspaper emphasized that the aim of its proposal is to refute Trump’s rationale and counter any plans that may alter the geographical or demographic makeup of Gaza. The situation in Gaza is critical, with a ceasefire expected to end in early March, creating urgency for negotiations between Israel and Hamas regarding a secondary phase of discussions, which would likely involve the release of hostages, a complete withdrawal by Israel, and the establishment of a long-term ceasefire.
For any reconstruction project to advance, there must first be an agreement on the governance of Gaza. Israel insists on dismantling Hamas’ military presence in the region, while international funders are hesitant to invest in rebuilding efforts as long as Hamas holds control. Central to Egypt’s proposal is the formation of a neutral Palestinian governing body, with no ties to both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, to oversee the reconstruction. Additionally, it suggests the establishment of a Palestinian police force, comprised mainly of ex-Policemen from the Palestinian Authority who remained in Gaza post-Hamas rise in 2007, supplemented by Egyptian and Western-trained personnel.
Discussions surrounding the deployment of an Arab force in Gaza have been complex. An Egyptian official and an Arab diplomat disclosed that Arab countries would only support such a move if there were assurances leading towards an independent Palestinian state. Netanyahu has dismissed the prospect of a Palestinian state, as well as the involvement of either Hamas or the Palestinian Authority in governance, yet hasn’t offered a viable alternative.
Hamas, for its part, has shown flexibility, suggesting it is prepared to relinquish its authority in Gaza. A Hamas spokesperson confirmed that the group would accept a Palestinian unity government without its participation or the formation of a technocratic committee to govern the territory. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority, which manages areas in the West Bank, has opposed any plans for Gaza that would sideline its role.
Support for an Arab-led counterplan to Trump’s proposal has emerged from nations like France and Germany, with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi discussing ongoing efforts with the French president in a recent conversation. The Egyptian Foreign Minister has briefed key European officials on Egypt’s proposal at a security conference, emphasizing regional collaboration.
This week, representatives from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan are set to deliberate on the reconstruction plan in Riyadh, prior to presenting it at an upcoming Arab summit.
After a 16-month military campaign launched by Israel following Hamas’s surprise attack on October 7, 2023, Gaza has faced significant devastation. Preliminary estimates from the U.N. indicate that a quarter million housing units have been either damaged or destroyed, alongside extensive infrastructural damage totaling approximately $30 billion and $16 billion to housing.
Egypt’s reconstruction plan outlines a three-phased process anticipated to unfold over five years, all while keeping Palestinians within Gaza. The initiative designates three “safe zones” for the population to inhabit during an initial six-month recovery period, featuring mobile housing and facilities, with humanitarian aid continually being delivered. Over two dozen Egyptian and international construction firms are expected to assist in the cleanup and rebuilding efforts, which aim to create tens of thousands of job opportunities for Gaza’s populace.
