Egypt Proposes USD 53 Billion Plan to Rebuild Gaza

At the Arab League summit in Cairo, Egypt proposed a USD 53 billion plan to rebuild Gaza, presenting a clear counter to Donald Trump’s controversial “Riviera of the Middle East” proposal, which called for the forced displacement of Palestinians.

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi emphasized in his opening remarks that the initiative aims to ensure “Palestinians remain on their land,” focusing on emergency relief, infrastructure restoration, and long-term economic development.

The 112-page plan outlines a phased reconstruction approach, including the removal of unexploded bombs, temporary shelters for displaced families, and a multi-year effort to rebuild homes, roads, and utilities. It also envisions a commercial port, a technology hub, beach hotels, and an airport—offering a stark contrast to Trump’s widely criticized proposal, which has been accused of endorsing ethnic cleansing.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed support for the plan, stating, “The UN stands ready to fully cooperate,” and called for regional backing. However, key challenges remain. Israel has not endorsed the proposal, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisting on permanent control over Palestinian territories. Meanwhile, Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri rejected any imposed projects, emphasizing self-governance: “We are keen for the success of the summit, and we hope that there will be a call to reject the displacement and to protect the right of our people in resisting the occupation and governing itself away from any custodianship and intervention.”

With 1.5 million displaced Palestinians, Egypt’s proposal hinges on funding from Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. However, political uncertainties persist, particularly regarding who would govern Gaza post-reconstruction.

As ceasefire negotiations continue, Egypt’s plan stands as the region’s strongest countermeasure to Trump’s vision for Gaza. On Saturday, March 1st, hours after the first phase of a ceasefire deal ended, Israel halted the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza.