Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty announced on Sunday that Cairo’s plan to rebuild Gaza while ensuring Palestinians remain on their land is finalized and will be presented at the emergency Arab League summit in Cairo on March 4. The plan is intended as a direct response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to displace Palestinians and redevelop Gaza as a luxury resort area.
Trump’s Plan Faces Arab Backlash
Trump’s plan, unveiled on February 4, diverges from long-standing U.S. policy that has traditionally endorsed a two-state solution. His proposal for the U.S. to take control of Gaza and expel its Palestinian population was met with swift condemnation from Arab states and Palestinian leaders. Egypt, Jordan, and Gulf nations have been working behind the scenes to formulate a united diplomatic response to what many see as an attempt to erase Palestinian sovereignty.
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Egypt Seeks International Support
Abdelatty stressed that international backing, particularly from Europe, will be critical for Gaza’s reconstruction. Speaking alongside EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica, he emphasized that Egypt will engage in talks with major donor nations to secure funding once the Arab League summit approves the plan. A follow-up meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Saudi Arabia will further promote the initiative.
Israeli Blockade Escalates Crisis
As the diplomatic efforts unfold, tensions on the ground in Gaza remain high. On Sunday, Israel blocked all humanitarian aid from entering Gaza, escalating an already fragile situation. The move came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government refused to progress to the second phase of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, which was scheduled to begin on March 1. Egypt has condemned Israel’s decision to use aid as leverage, calling it “collective punishment.” Hamas, in response, accused Israel of “cheap extortion, a war crime, and a blatant attack on the ceasefire agreement.”
Netanyahu Accused of Sabotaging Ceasefire
Reports from Israeli sources suggest that Netanyahu is deliberately stalling peace efforts to prevent the ceasefire from advancing. On February 9, Haaretz quoted officials who claimed Netanyahu has no interest in moving to the next phase of the agreement. Meanwhile, far-right Israeli politician Itamar Ben Gvir has openly called for a renewed military offensive, urging the government to “open the gates of hell” on Gaza.
Objectives of the Cairo Summit
The emergency Arab League summit will seek to counter Trump’s plan while finalizing Egypt’s proposal for Gaza’s reconstruction. Former Egyptian diplomat Mohamed Hegazy outlined a three-phase strategy: early recovery, rebuilding infrastructure, and housing reconstruction alongside a political track toward a two-state solution.
Challenges in Funding Reconstruction
The United Nations estimates that rebuilding Gaza will require over $50 billion, making financial support a key issue at the summit. While Gulf states are expected to contribute, no official commitments have been made. Past Arab League summits have pledged aid for Gaza, such as the $5.4 billion promised in 2014, but such commitments have not always been fully met.
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Once Arab states agree on a position, further talks will be required to secure financial and logistical backing for the reconstruction plan. However, with Gaza under blockade and the ceasefire in jeopardy, the immediate priority will be ensuring that Israel does not resume its military campaign.