The foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, and Britain expressed their backing for an Arab-drafted plan aimed at rebuilding Gaza over five years, with a focus on sustainable improvement for its people. While welcomed by Arab nations and Palestinian entities, the proposal faces rejection from Israel and the US, as tensions in the region continue.
European Nations Endorse Arab Plan for Gaza Reconstruction Amid Ongoing Conflict
European Nations Endorse Arab Plan for Gaza Reconstruction Amid Ongoing Conflict
Key European leaders have shown support for an Arab-backed initiative to reconstruct Gaza, proposing a $53 billion investment to improve living conditions for displaced Palestinians, while US and Israeli opposition persists.
Leading European nations have jointly expressed support for an Arab-led initiative aimed at the reconstruction of Gaza, proposing an ambitious plan with a projected cost of $53 billion (£41 billion). The initiative aims to rebuild the territory without displacing Palestinians, following devastating destruction to homes and infrastructure due to ongoing conflict. This plan, devised by Egypt and endorsed by various Arab leaders, has, however, been met with resistance from Israel and US President Donald Trump, who has proposed an alternative vision to transform the Gaza Strip into a "Middle East Riviera."
On Saturday, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, and Britain labeled the Arab plan as “realistic,” emphasizing its potential to deliver "swift and sustainable improvement" to the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The proposal includes governance temporarily by a committee of independent experts and the deployment of international peacekeepers, ensuring that humanitarian aid is managed under the Palestinian Authority's supervision.
Concerns have been raised regarding the fragile ceasefire due to the expiration of its first phase on March 1, which could jeopardize any progress toward peace. Currently, Israel has impeded aid into Gaza, pressing Hamas to agree to a US proposal for a continued ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages held by Hamas. Hamas, on the other hand, is insisting that any continuation of the ceasefire should include an immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces.
While diplomatic negotiations are set to take place in Qatar, uncertainty surrounds the implementation timeline of a second ceasefire agreement. A spokesperson for Hamas indicated "positive indicators" regarding the discussions planned for next week.
In contrast, the Arab-backed initiative has emerged as a viable alternative to Trump's vision, which suggests US intervention to govern Gaza and resettle its population— a proposal criticized by many, including members of the Arab League. The European foreign ministers' statement reaffirmed their commitment to the Arab initiative while highlighting that Hamas should not hold governance over Gaza and must not pose a threat to Israel moving forward.
As the humanitarian crisis worsens, evidenced by nearly 2.3 million Gazans being displaced, and with over 48,000 reported deaths due to Israeli military actions since the start of conflict, the push for a comprehensive reconstruction plan becomes increasingly critical.
