Washington, DC [US]: The Trump administration has rejected a Gaza reconstruction plan proposed by Arab leaders, emphasizing a different vision for the future of the region. According to a CNN report, US President Donald Trump supports a plan that involves expelling Palestinian residents from Gaza and transforming the area into a US-owned “riviera.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday night, White House National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes commented:
“The current proposal does not address the reality that Gaza is currently uninhabitable and residents cannot humanely live in a territory covered in debris and unexploded ordnance.”
Hughes added that President Trump remains committed to rebuilding Gaza free from Hamas and is looking forward to further discussions aimed at bringing peace and prosperity to the region.
The Arab Leaders’ Plan vs. Trump’s Vision
The postwar plan for Gaza, proposed by Egypt, suggests that Hamas should cede power to an interim administration until a reformed Palestinian Authority (PA) can take control. Unlike Trump’s plan, Egypt’s proposal would allow the 2 million Palestinians currently living in Gaza to remain there.
In Cairo, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas stated that elections would be held in the West Bank, Gaza, and occupied East Jerusalem for the first time in nearly 20 years, provided that the circumstances are suitable.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet disclosed his vision for Gaza’s future but has expressed support for Trump’s idea of a “different Gaza.”
$53 Billion Arab Proposal for Gaza
The $53 billion plan presented by Arab nations aims to rebuild Gaza by 2030. The first phase involves clearing over 50 million tons of rubble and unexploded ordnance left by Israel’s military offensives. The proposal also includes plans to build shopping malls, an international convention center, and an airport within five years. Additionally, the plan seeks to boost tourism by enhancing Gaza’s Mediterranean coast.
Challenges and Regional Support
The extent of regional support for the Arab leaders’ plan remains uncertain. Key leaders from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were absent from the summit. Additionally, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune boycotted the meeting, criticizing it for being “monopolized by a limited and narrow group of Arab countries.”
Trump’s Statement on Gaza
In February, President Trump stated that the United States would take over Gaza, dismantle dangerous weapons, clear destroyed buildings, and focus on the economic development of the area. During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump expressed hope that the ongoing ceasefire-hostage deal between Israel and Hamas could mark the beginning of a larger and more enduring peace.
Trump said:
“The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it. We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site and getting rid of the destroyed buildings.”
He further emphasized the goal of creating jobs and housing for Gaza’s residents and restoring trust in the US-Israel alliance.