Israel Rejects Arab Plan on Gaza, Hamas Welcomes It
Cairo, 5 March – (AA): The Israeli Foreign Ministry has rejected the Arab countries’ plan regarding the Gaza Strip.
In a statement on Tuesday, Israel said that the Arab summit’s declaration does not address the real situation in Gaza. The ministry emphasized that Hamas cannot remain in Gaza.
Israel also criticized the summit’s statement for not mentioning the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. It claimed that the plan relies on the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA, which Israel labeled as “corrupt” institutions.
Hamas Responds Positively
On the other hand, Hamas welcomed the emergency Arab summit held in Cairo. The group called the meeting a major step in strengthening Arab and Islamic unity regarding the Palestinian cause.
Hamas has welcomed the Arab leaders’ consensus in rejecting Israel’s forced displacement plans for Palestinians. The group also appreciated the reconstruction plan for Gaza approved at the Arab summit.
Hamas supported the decision to form a committee to assist in Gaza’s administration.
Additionally, the organization welcomed the call by the Palestinian President for holding legislative and presidential elections.
Arab Summit Approves Egyptian Plan
Earlier, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi announced that during Tuesday’s emergency Arab summit in Cairo, a plan for Gaza’s reconstruction was officially approved.
According to President el-Sisi, the Arab summit stressed the need to protect Arab national security, safeguard interests, and ensure collective Arab action.
In the final statement, it was declared that security in Gaza should be managed by Palestinian legal institutions, and any temporary administration in Gaza would function under the Palestinian government.
The statement also clarified that only legal weapons would be allowed in Gaza. Arab nations reaffirmed their commitment to a fair and comprehensive peace, ensuring all rights for the Palestinian people.
$53 Billion Gaza Reconstruction Plan
Egypt had announced weeks ago that it had prepared a reconstruction plan for Gaza. Two days ago, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty confirmed in a press conference in Cairo that the plan was finalized and would be presented for approval at the Arab summit.
Egypt has proposed a five-year reconstruction plan for Gaza, with a total cost of $53 billion. The plan focuses on emergency aid, rebuilding, and long-term economic growth.
The proposal includes two phases of reconstruction and suggests creating an international fund under transparent supervision.
Trump’s Controversial Gaza Plan
It is worth noting that U.S. President Donald Trump had previously proposed a plan for American control over Gaza, which sparked global outrage.
Trump’s proposal involved the forced displacement of Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan, followed by transforming Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
In response, Arab nations united against his plan and presented an alternative solution.
