Cairo has officially confirmed its commitment to a comprehensive Gaza reconstruction plan, positioning itself as a key player in stabilizing the war-torn enclave while firmly rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s contentious proposal to “take over” Gaza and displace its Palestinian population.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, announced on Monday that the government is “actively developing a multi-phase plan for Gaza’s early recovery and reconstruction.” The state-run Al-Ahram newspaper reported that the plan will be finalized “by next week,” with implementation set to commence “after the emergency Arab summit in Cairo,” scheduled for February 27.
The initiative, driven by Egypt in collaboration with regional allies, aims to rehabilitate Gaza’s devastated infrastructure while ensuring that Palestinian residents remain in their homeland. In contrast, Trump’s controversial approach, which includes resettling Gaza’s more than two million inhabitants elsewhere and transforming the region into a commercial hub, has been widely condemned as a form of ethnic cleansing.
Saudi Arabia is set to host a high-profile Arab summit on Thursday in Riyadh, bringing together officials from Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan. The meeting will evaluate Cairo’s reconstruction proposal and solidify a regional response to Trump’s plan.
Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has reignited global controversy with his remarks about Gaza, repeatedly suggesting that the U.S. could “own” the enclave and urging neighboring countries to absorb its Palestinian population. Both Egypt and Jordan have forcefully rejected the proposal, reinforcing their stance against any forced displacement.
Egypt’s proposed reconstruction process consists of three phases, expected to span five years. According to sources cited by the Associated Press (AP), the initiative will begin with the establishment of “secure areas” within Gaza, allowing Palestinians to remain in their homeland while construction teams work to restore critical infrastructure.
- Phase 1: A six-month “early recovery period” will focus on erecting mobile housing and shelters within three designated safe zones inside Gaza. Humanitarian aid will be allowed to flow in unimpeded.
- Phase 2: International and Egyptian construction firms will launch large-scale projects to rebuild hospitals, schools, and transport networks.
- Phase 3: The final stage will emphasize economic revitalization, creating tens of thousands of jobs to help restore Gaza’s self-sufficiency.
Cairo has initiated discussions with European diplomats and Arab partners—including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE—about financing the reconstruction. Reports suggest that an international donor conference is also under consideration to secure long-term funding for the effort.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to Trump’s vision of a “different Gaza” on Monday, further escalating tensions. Meanwhile, Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, announced the formation of a special directorate to facilitate the “voluntary departure” of Palestinians from Gaza, drawing sharp criticism from human rights groups.
The ongoing conflict, which has spanned 15 months, has claimed the lives of over 48,000 Palestinians and left Gaza in the grip of a severe humanitarian crisis. While Netanyahu has vowed that “neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority” will govern the enclave post-war, Hamas has expressed willingness to cede power to a Palestinian unity government or a neutral technocratic body.
With regional stakeholders preparing to meet in Riyadh and Cairo’s plan gaining traction, the coming weeks could prove decisive for the future of Gaza. Will Egypt’s reconstruction initiative gain international backing, or will Trump’s takeover proposal continue to stoke geopolitical tensions?
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