European Nations Endorse $53 Billion Arab Plan for Gaza Reconstruction

European leaders, including foreign ministers from France, Germany, Italy, and Britain, have expressed their support for an Arab-backed plan aimed at the reconstruction of Gaza, which has been devastated by conflict. This initiative, developed by Egypt and carrying an estimated cost of $53 billion (£41 billion), is designed to restore Gaza over a five-year period without displacing its Palestinian residents.

The foreign ministers hailed the plan as "realistic" and a necessary response to the catastrophic living conditions faced by the 2.3 million inhabitants of Gaza. With over 90% of homes reported damaged or destroyed by ongoing hostilities, the proposed plan envisions temporary governance by a committee of independent experts alongside the deployment of international peacekeepers.

This initiative stands in stark contrast to a vision put forth by U.S. President Donald Trump, which aims to turn the Gaza Strip into a "Middle East Riviera" while suggesting potential resettlement of its population. The Palestinian Authority and Hamas welcomed the Arab proposal following its presentation at an Arab League summit. However, both the Israeli government and Trump's administration dismissed it as ignoring the realities on the ground.

In their joint statement, the European countries emphasized that Hamas should not govern Gaza nor pose a threat to Israel, reaffirming their commitment to support the Palestinian Authority and its reform agenda.

As the ceasefire in the region faces increasing uncertainty with tensions surrounding aid deliveries and military operations, the need for a comprehensive strategy to improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza remains critical. Recent statistics indicate that nearly all inhabitants of Gaza have been displaced amid ongoing military actions, with devastating humanitarian repercussions evidenced by the significant loss of life and damage to infrastructure.