European Nations Voice Support for Egypt's Gaza Reconstruction Plan

The Foreign Ministries of France, Germany, Italy, and the UK have voiced their support for the Egyptian proposal to rebuild Gaza, which would cost USD 53 billion.

The initiative, drafted by Egypt and approved by Arab League leaders during an emergency summit on March 4th, proposes a temporary committee of Palestinian technocrats that would govern Gaza, manage aid and coordinate with the Palestinian Authority (PA). The plan allows for reconstruction over multiple phases, the removal of unexploded ordinances and the setting up of temporary shelters without displacing the Palestinian population from the Gaza Strip.

"The plan shows a realistic path to the reconstruction of Gaza and promises – if implemented – swift and sustainable improvement of the catastrophic living conditions for the Palestinians living in Gaza,” the foreign ministers announce in a joint statement.

The statement further notes: “Recovery and reconstruction efforts must be based upon a solid political and security framework acceptable to both Israelis and Palestinians, which provides long term peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians alike. We are clear that Hamas must neither govern Gaza nor be a threat to Israel any more. We explicitly support the central role for the Palestinian Authority and the implementation of its reform agenda.”

However, the plan faces opposition, particularly from Israel and US President Donald Trump, who have so far rejected the Egyptian-led proposal.

Earlier today, Palestinian media reported five fatalities in Gaza within the past 24 hours by Israeli attacks. An Israeli drone strike also hit a bulldozer clearing rubble, resulting in seven injuries.