As a result of Israel’s 15 months of indiscriminate aggression, Gaza has literally been reduced to rubble. In the reconstruction of Gaza, Arab countries may provide a fund of $20 billion. Two Egyptian sources shared this information with Reuters, stating that Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi may visit Saudi Arabia.
Two Egyptian security sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that President al-Sisi will visit Riyadh on Thursday. During his visit, he will discuss an Arab plan for Gaza, under which up to $20 billion in aid could be allocated for the region’s reconstruction.
Arab nations are set to discuss post-war plans for Gaza. This meeting is being seen as a response to USA President Donald Trump’s proposal, which suggests rebuilding Gaza under USA control, potentially leading to the displacement of Palestinians—a plan that has angered regional leaders.
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar will review discuss the Arab plan in Riyadh. Following this, the plan will be presented at an Arab summit in Cairo on March 4, according to four sources familiar with the matter.
An Arab leaders’ meeting is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia on Friday, with leaders from Jordan, Egypt, the UAE, Qatar in attendance. This meeting is part of the Arab effort, initiated by Saudi Arabia, to oppose Trump’s plan. However, some sources indicate that the exact date of the meeting is yet to be confirmed.
Trump’s plan to create a “Middle East Riviera” by displacing Palestinians from Gaza relocating most of them to Jordan, Egypt has disappointed Arab states. Cairo, Amman immediately rejected the proposal, which is believed to pose a severe risk of destabilizing the region.
The Arab proposal is primarily based on Egypt’s plan, which involves a national Palestinian committee, without Hamas’ involvement, managing Gaza’s administration, ensuring international participation in the reconstruction, but with no intention of displacing Palestinians abroad.
Arab and Gulf states are likely to form a $20 billion fund for the implementation of the plan, according to two sources. Abdulkhaleq Abdullah, a researcher from the United Arab Emirates, commented, “Trump is a deal-oriented person, so $20 billion might seem acceptable to him. This will also be profitable for many American, Israeli companies.”
The Palestinian Authority’s cabinet stated on Tuesday that the first phase of the ongoing plan would require around $20 billion over three years. Egyptian sources informed Reuters that discussions are still ongoing regarding the financial contributions from the region. The plan is set to be implemented over a period of three years.
Meanwhile, USA Senator Richard Blumenthal, during his visit to Israel on Monday, told reporters in Tel Aviv, “Based on my discussions with Arab leaders, particularly with King Abdullah recently, I am confident that they have realistically assessed their role.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that Israel would review the plan, but if Hamas is present in Gaza, it will not be acceptable. He added, “We will decide how to respond when we hear it.”
LND/SAKIB
