Egypt has put forward an ambitious $53 billion proposal to rebuild Gaza over a five-year period, focusing on emergency relief, infrastructure restoration, and long-term economic development. According to a draft document seen by AFP, the plan is set to be discussed at an extraordinary Arab summit in Cairo on Tuesday. This proposal comes in response to a controversial plan floated by former US President Donald Trump last month, which suggested assuming control of Gaza and displacing its Palestinian population—a move that has been widely condemned by Palestinians, Arab states, and many international partners of Israel and the United States.
Two-Phase Reconstruction Plan
The draft plan, shared by a diplomatic source, details two distinct phases:
- Early Recovery Phase (Six Months, $3 Billion)
- Focus on removing mines and unexploded ordnance.
- Clearing debris and providing temporary housing.
- Establishment of seven designated sites within Gaza to house over 1.5 million displaced individuals in temporary housing units, accommodating six people per unit.
- Initial repairs to 60,000 partially damaged homes to shelter 360,000 people.
- Reconstruction Phase (Four and a Half Years)
- First Stage (Until 2027, $20 Billion): Rebuilding essential infrastructure, including roads, utility networks, and public service facilities. Construction of 200,000 permanent housing units for 1.6 million people and reclamation of 20,000 acres of land.
- Second Stage (Until 2030, $30 Billion): Completion of infrastructure projects, construction of an additional 200,000 housing units, and establishment of industrial zones, a fishing port, a commercial seaport, and an airport.
Funding and Governance
To ensure transparency and sustainable funding, the proposal suggests creating an internationally supervised trust fund. Cairo will also host a high-level ministerial conference aimed at bringing together donor countries, financial institutions, private sector representatives, and civil society organizations to secure financial backing.
A Gaza administration committee, comprising independent technocrats and non-partisan figures, would be formed under the Palestinian government to manage the territory for a transitional period of six months. This initiative is seen as a step toward reinstating full Palestinian Authority control over Gaza.
Regional and Global Reactions
Egypt’s proposal represents one of the most comprehensive efforts to date for Gaza’s post-war recovery. While the initiative seeks to rally international financial and political support, its feasibility will likely depend on securing broad regional consensus and cooperation from global stakeholders.
With mounting humanitarian concerns and geopolitical complexities surrounding Gaza’s future, the success of this plan remains uncertain. However, Egypt’s leadership in spearheading this reconstruction effort underscores its commitment to stabilizing the region and providing much-needed relief to the people of Gaza.
Sources By Agencies
