Egypt is formulating a comprehensive plan to rebuild Gaza without forcing the displacement of its Palestinian population, presenting a stark contrast to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to depopulate the territory. According to Egypt’s state-run Al-Ahram newspaper, the initiative aims to create “secure areas” within Gaza where Palestinians could initially reside while Egyptian and international construction companies rehabilitate the region’s infrastructure.
The Egyptian government has been actively discussing this proposal with European diplomats, as well as key Arab nations including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The conversations have focused on how to fund the reconstruction of Gaza, including the possibility of an international conference dedicated to this cause.
The plan comes in response to widespread international criticism of Trump’s idea to forcibly remove Gaza’s population of nearly 2 million Palestinians. Trump’s proposal involved the U.S. taking control of the Gaza Strip and transforming it into a “Riviera of the Middle East,” while preventing Palestinians from returning. This plan was met with fierce opposition from Palestinian leaders, Arab countries, and human rights groups, with many condemning it as a form of ethnic cleansing and a violation of international law. European nations also strongly criticized the proposal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced support for Trump’s plan, suggesting that Israel was preparing to move forward with its implementation. However, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was in Saudi Arabia on a diplomatic tour, indicated that the U.S. was open to hearing alternative solutions. “If the Arab countries have a better plan, then that’s great,” Rubio stated in a recent interview.
The Egyptian proposal, still under negotiation, is seen as a direct counter to Trump’s plan, aiming to preserve Gaza’s demographic and geographic integrity while fostering its recovery. Egyptian officials emphasize that the new initiative reflects the country’s commitment to a solution that respects the rights of Palestinians and prevents any attempts to alter Gaza’s status forcibly.
This move underscores Egypt’s growing involvement in regional diplomatic efforts concerning Gaza, and its opposition to any external plans that may endanger the sovereignty and identity of the Palestinian people.
