Arab Countries Approve Egypt's Plan for the Future of Gaza

Arab leaders approved Egypt's plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, which will cost $53 billion and emphasizes the presence of Palestinians in the besieged strip, contrary to Donald Trump's plan. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi announced the approval of this plan during a closed meeting of Arab leaders in Cairo on Tuesday, March 5, which was welcomed by the extremist group Hamas but opposed by Israel. Mr. Sisi stated at the meeting that he is confident that Donald Trump has the ability to establish peace and end the war that has led to the destruction of Gaza. The main questions regarding the future of Gaza, which remain unanswered, are who will govern this strip and which countries will pay the billions of dollars needed for its reconstruction. Trump's plan includes the permanent removal of Palestinians from Gaza and their relocation to Arab countries. Trump has stated that the United States should take control of the Gaza Strip and turn it into a recreational coastal resort through reconstruction. However, this plan has sparked opposition from Arab countries. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said that Egypt intends to establish an administrative committee composed of Palestinian technocrats and independents in cooperation with the Palestinians, which will be responsible for managing Gaza after the war. He added that this committee will temporarily oversee humanitarian aid and manage administrative affairs in the region until the governance of Gaza is handed over to the Palestinian Authority. Another key issue is the fate of the extremist group Hamas, which the United States and other Western countries consider terrorist. The group's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people, sparked the recent war in Gaza. This militant group, which has ruled Gaza since 2007, stated in a declaration that it agrees with the formation of Egypt's proposed committee and will not nominate anyone for membership in this committee, but it needs to further examine the committee's duties, members, and agenda, which will be under the supervision of the Palestinian Authority. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry stated on Tuesday evening that the individuals who will participate in this committee have been identified. Mahmoud Abbas, the leader of the Palestinian Authority, welcomed Egypt's plan and urged Donald Trump to support it as well. However, the Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a statement deeming Egypt's plan based on 'outdated views' and rejected handing over affairs to the Palestinian Authority, stating that this plan would allow Hamas to remain in power.