Egypt is advancing a reconstruction plan for Gaza, aiming to rehabilitate the war-torn enclave without displacing its Palestinian population. This initiative directly challenges US President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to “take over” Gaza, permanently remove its residents, and redevelop the territory into a commercial hub.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his government have strongly opposed any forced displacement of Palestinians and are working with regional and international partners to rebuild Gaza’s infrastructure. The plan, first reported by Egypt’s state-run Al-Ahram newspaper, outlines a multi-phase recovery effort expected to take up to five years.
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Three-Phase Reconstruction Strategy
According to Egyptian officials, the plan includes three key phases:
- Early Recovery (Six Months) – Palestinians will be housed in designated “safe zones” equipped with mobile shelters, while humanitarian aid flows in. Egyptian and international construction firms will begin clearing debris and restoring essential services like roads and hospitals.
- Mid-Term Reconstruction – More than two dozen Egyptian and international companies will engage in rebuilding Gaza’s infrastructure, providing tens of thousands of jobs for Palestinians.
- Long-Term Rehabilitation – The final stage aims to fully restore Gaza’s economy, essential facilities, and governance structures.
Officials from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and Jordan are set to discuss the proposal in Riyadh this week, ahead of an emergency Arab summit in Cairo on February 27. Additionally, Egypt is coordinating with European countries to explore funding options, including a possible international donor conference.
A New Administration for Gaza
A key aspect of Egypt’s plan is establishing a Palestinian governing body that is independent of both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority (PA). Egyptian officials propose forming a Palestinian administration to oversee the reconstruction while a police force—comprising former PA officers with reinforcement from Egyptian- and Western-trained personnel—maintains security.
Hamas has expressed willingness to relinquish control, stating that it would accept a Palestinian unity government without its participation or a committee of technocrats to manage the strip. However, the PA has so far rejected any governance plans that exclude it.
Trump’s Plan and Global Backlash
Trump’s proposal, which has sparked widespread condemnation, calls for forcibly removing Gaza’s 2 million residents and preventing their return after reconstruction. The former president has suggested that neighboring countries, including Egypt and Jordan, should absorb the displaced Palestinians. Both nations, along with Saudi Arabia, have firmly rejected this idea.
Israel, however, has embraced Trump’s vision. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled his support, vowing that neither Hamas nor the PA will govern Gaza in the future. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz has even proposed facilitating the “voluntary departure” of Palestinians, an idea widely criticized as forced expulsion.
Role of International Actors
Egypt’s counterproposal has gained traction among European nations. France and Germany have reportedly backed the idea of an Arab-led reconstruction initiative, and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has briefed European counterparts on Cairo’s efforts.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated that Washington is open to hearing alternative proposals. “If the Arab countries have a better plan, then that’s great,” Rubio said during a US radio interview.
Ceasefire Talks and the Road Ahead
The future of Gaza’s reconstruction remains uncertain as the region approaches a critical ceasefire deadline. The first phase of a truce between Israel and Hamas is set to expire in early March, with negotiations still ongoing for a second phase that could lead to a full Israeli withdrawal and a long-term halt to hostilities.
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Without a lasting ceasefire and a clear governance plan, any reconstruction effort will face significant obstacles. International donors are unlikely to contribute funds if Hamas remains in power, while Israel remains opposed to any Palestinian governing body that could challenge its control.