Is it Possible to Revitalize the Ravaged Gaza?
The Arab League has a comprehensive strategy for the reconstruction of the enclave; however, it may face significant challenges due to resistance from Israel and the United States. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The Arab League’s reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip is comprehensive, yet it faces significant challenges from Israeli and U.S. opposition, as well as internal divisions that may jeopardize its success.
At an Emergency Arab League Summit held in Cairo last week, participants showed unanimous support for Egypt's initiative aimed at rebuilding Gaza following its devastation from conflict with Israel. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt announced the plan on March 4, detailing a $53 billion, five-year program focused on infrastructure reconstruction. A key aspect of the proposal is to ensure that Gaza's existing population is not forcibly relocated.
This strategy stands in stark contrast to a vision presented by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested transforming Gaza's coastal areas into a “Middle Eastern Riviera” by resettling residents in “friendly” Arab countries. This American approach was met with significant backlash from Arab leaders, who labeled it a violation of the rights of Palestinians.
In his opening remarks at the summit, el-Sisi articulated that a sustainable peace in the Middle East hinges on the establishment of a fully sovereign Palestinian state. He expressed the hope that the U.S. would become involved in conflict resolution, despite differing viewpoints. He stated, “Peace cannot be imposed by force. It must be built on justice and the rights of nations.”
An assessment of the damage in Gaza indicates various costs related to physical destruction and social and economic losses due to the conflict. The total damage is estimated at $29.9 billion, while overall losses reach $19.1 billion.
Housing has been the most affected sector, suffering $15.8 billion in damages, which constitutes 53% of the total destruction. The conflict has resulted in the decimation of 30,000 residential buildings, with 272,000 housing units entirely destroyed and 58,500 partially damaged.
Analysis through satellite imagery has revealed extensive harm to Gaza’s infrastructure. A total of 1,190 kilometers of roads have been impacted, including 415 kilometers severely affected and 1,440 kilometers needing major repairs. The healthcare sector has faced $1.3 billion in damages, with losses projected at $6.3 billion. Half of Gaza's hospitals—18 facilities—have been destroyed entirely, with 17 additional hospitals only partially operational, critically undermining the healthcare services available to the population.
The educational institutions have also experienced devastating losses, with damages estimated at $874 million and losses reaching $3.2 billion. Approximately 88% of schools have been destroyed, while those still standing have been converted into temporary shelters for the displaced. Moreover, 51 university buildings have been reduced to rubble.
In the trade and industrial sectors, damage is estimated at $5.9 billion, with additional losses of $2.2 billion. The transportation sector has incurred $2.5 billion in damages, alongside $377 million in losses. Water and sanitation infrastructure has reported damages worth $1.5 billion with associated losses of $64 million, while the energy sector has suffered $494 million in damages.
The Arab reconstruction plan outlines a need for a total of $53 billion for Gaza’s complete restoration, allocating $3 billion for “early recovery” during the first six months. Key funding priorities include housing, healthcare, trade and industry, road infrastructure, and the energy sector. The education sector alone is projected to need $3.8 billion, while agriculture and social protection are each allotted $4.2 billion. Furthermore, $2.9 billion is designated for transportation, with $2.7 billion set aside for water supply and sanitation systems.
The plan also features $1.25 billion allocated for a four-stage process encompassing debris removal, disposal of unexploded ordnance, recycling, and reconstruction. The complete restoration of Gaza is planned over five years and is set to be executed in three phases.
The initial phase centers on debris clearance and preparing land for temporary resettlement. It includes repairing 60,000 partially damaged homes, providing for 360,000 people, and constructing 200,000 temporary housing units for 1.2 million individuals.
The second phase will span two years and require $20 billion. It involves building 200,000 new housing units, significantly developing infrastructure, continuing debris removal, and restoring 60,000 homes to shelter 1.6 million people. This phase also intends to restore 2,000 hectares of agricultural land and establish essential services.
The third phase, lasting 2.5 years with a budget of $30 billion, aims to reconstruct another 200,000 housing units for 1.2 million individuals, enhance infrastructure, create an industrial zone covering 60 hectares, and build commercial and fishing ports, as well as reestablish Gaza's airport. This phase also intends to generate 500,000 jobs for Palestinians across various sectors.
This plan not only strives to repair the damaged infrastructure but also aims to encourage long-term development in Gaza, considering the population's projected growth to around 3 million by 2030.
The document emphasizes the significance of a two-state solution and insists on rebuilding Gaza in a manner that respects Palestinian rights. A core principle of the initiative categorically rejects any forced displacement of Palestinians from the enclave.
It asserts that the Gaza Strip is an essential part of Palestinian territories, warning that any efforts to separate it from the West Bank could intensify regional instability. The document voices concern over the potential neglect of Palestinian suffering, asserting that this disregard could spark further conflict.
For governance during the reconstruction phase, a temporary administrative committee is proposed, tasked with paving the way for the Palestinian National Authority’s full return to governance in Gaza within six months. International support is critical to the effective functioning of this structure.
To maintain security, Egypt and Jordan are collaborating to develop training programs for Palestinian police forces. These trained officers will take on roles in security, with operations requiring political and financial backing from international and regional entities. Additionally, the document proposes that the UN Security Council consider deploying international peacekeeping forces to Palestinian territories, including Gaza and the West Bank.
The Arab Plan calls for an end to unilateral actions such as the expansion of Israeli settlements, home demolitions, and military operations, while also emphasizing the need to uphold the historical and legal status of sacred sites. It concludes with a statement that, with sufficient political will, the proposed measures for Gaza’s reconstruction could be effectively executed.
Although the plan seems well-formulated, it faces several complex challenges, chiefly the question of governance in Gaza post-conflict. Hamas has historically resisted external interference and imposed solutions on Palestinians, raising uncertainty about a peaceful transition of power. However, Hamas has shown support for the current initiative, motivated by several factors.
First, Hamas's stated objective is the establishment of a Palestinian state, making it illogical to oppose an initiative directly aligned with that goal. Doing so might diminish its standing as a defender of Palestinian interests.
Second, Hamas recognizes the seriousness of the current climate. Rejecting this initiative could leave the group isolated against a hardline U.S. administration that has taken a tough stance on Gaza. In this context, supporting the proposal is a pragmatic strategy for Hamas.
Moreover, should the plan facilitate the establishment of a Palestinian state, Hamas could integrate into future political frameworks, thus preserving its influence and legitimizing its governance role. This positions the group's endorsement of the plan as both a tactical and strategically beneficial choice.
The Cairo Plan, however, lacks clarity concerning the financing of Gaza’s reconstruction, governance mechanisms, and addressing Hamas’s influence. The document suggests a transitional Governance Assistance Mission will replace the Hamas administration, overseeing humanitarian aid and the region's initial reconstruction phase.
The plan's proponents stress the urgency of establishing a Palestinian state but do not adequately consider the fragmentation within Palestinian leadership and the disunity among armed factions. The success of the initiative hinges on the creation of a unified political structure representing the Palestinian populace, a challenging prospect under current conditions.
Nevertheless, the international community has shown support for the initiative. The foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom have backed the Arab-led reconstruction effort, estimating that it will require $53 billion and aiming to prevent the mass displacement of Palestinians. A joint statement from these ministers described the plan as a “realistic pathway to Gaza’s reconstruction,” promising “rapid and sustainable improvements to the catastrophic living conditions in the enclave.”
However, both Israel and the U.S. have expressed opposition to the plan, casting doubts on its viability. This divergence underscores the depth of the political crisis and highlights the challenges in finding a compromise solution acceptable to all parties.
The Trump administration, aligned with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right government, is unlikely to permit the initiative to proceed, as Israel’s leadership appears to have an entirely different agenda for Gaza. The European support for the plan emphasizes the increasing rift between Washington and its European allies regarding their approaches to the Palestinian issue.
In summary, while the proposed plan may seem attractive on the surface, it is likely to conflict with the competing interests of major world powers and Israel’s reluctance to compromise. Consequently, this initiative risks following a path similar to the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002, remaining an unfulfilled diplomatic overture.
When considering Gaza and Palestinian statehood within a larger geopolitical framework, it appears probable that the Trump-Netanyahu alliance will effectively stifle aspirations for Palestinian self-determination, pressuring Arab nations to relinquish plans aimed at securing a future for the Palestinian people. Such a scenario would further destabilize the already fragile region, threatening the relative security of Egypt and Jordan and potentially igniting widespread regional conflict. As events unfold, the hope remains that the suffering of innocent civilians in the Middle East may eventually come to an end and that lasting peace can be attained—though this hope seems increasingly remote with each passing day.
Thomas Evans contributed to this report for TROIB News
At an Emergency Arab League Summit held in Cairo last week, participants showed unanimous support for Egypt's initiative aimed at rebuilding Gaza following its devastation from conflict with Israel. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt announced the plan on March 4, detailing a $53 billion, five-year program focused on infrastructure reconstruction. A key aspect of the proposal is to ensure that Gaza's existing population is not forcibly relocated.
This strategy stands in stark contrast to a vision presented by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested transforming Gaza's coastal areas into a “Middle Eastern Riviera” by resettling residents in “friendly” Arab countries. This American approach was met with significant backlash from Arab leaders, who labeled it a violation of the rights of Palestinians.
In his opening remarks at the summit, el-Sisi articulated that a sustainable peace in the Middle East hinges on the establishment of a fully sovereign Palestinian state. He expressed the hope that the U.S. would become involved in conflict resolution, despite differing viewpoints. He stated, “Peace cannot be imposed by force. It must be built on justice and the rights of nations.”
An assessment of the damage in Gaza indicates various costs related to physical destruction and social and economic losses due to the conflict. The total damage is estimated at $29.9 billion, while overall losses reach $19.1 billion.
Housing has been the most affected sector, suffering $15.8 billion in damages, which constitutes 53% of the total destruction. The conflict has resulted in the decimation of 30,000 residential buildings, with 272,000 housing units entirely destroyed and 58,500 partially damaged.
Analysis through satellite imagery has revealed extensive harm to Gaza’s infrastructure. A total of 1,190 kilometers of roads have been impacted, including 415 kilometers severely affected and 1,440 kilometers needing major repairs. The healthcare sector has faced $1.3 billion in damages, with losses projected at $6.3 billion. Half of Gaza's hospitals—18 facilities—have been destroyed entirely, with 17 additional hospitals only partially operational, critically undermining the healthcare services available to the population.
The educational institutions have also experienced devastating losses, with damages estimated at $874 million and losses reaching $3.2 billion. Approximately 88% of schools have been destroyed, while those still standing have been converted into temporary shelters for the displaced. Moreover, 51 university buildings have been reduced to rubble.
In the trade and industrial sectors, damage is estimated at $5.9 billion, with additional losses of $2.2 billion. The transportation sector has incurred $2.5 billion in damages, alongside $377 million in losses. Water and sanitation infrastructure has reported damages worth $1.5 billion with associated losses of $64 million, while the energy sector has suffered $494 million in damages.
The Arab reconstruction plan outlines a need for a total of $53 billion for Gaza’s complete restoration, allocating $3 billion for “early recovery” during the first six months. Key funding priorities include housing, healthcare, trade and industry, road infrastructure, and the energy sector. The education sector alone is projected to need $3.8 billion, while agriculture and social protection are each allotted $4.2 billion. Furthermore, $2.9 billion is designated for transportation, with $2.7 billion set aside for water supply and sanitation systems.
The plan also features $1.25 billion allocated for a four-stage process encompassing debris removal, disposal of unexploded ordnance, recycling, and reconstruction. The complete restoration of Gaza is planned over five years and is set to be executed in three phases.
The initial phase centers on debris clearance and preparing land for temporary resettlement. It includes repairing 60,000 partially damaged homes, providing for 360,000 people, and constructing 200,000 temporary housing units for 1.2 million individuals.
The second phase will span two years and require $20 billion. It involves building 200,000 new housing units, significantly developing infrastructure, continuing debris removal, and restoring 60,000 homes to shelter 1.6 million people. This phase also intends to restore 2,000 hectares of agricultural land and establish essential services.
The third phase, lasting 2.5 years with a budget of $30 billion, aims to reconstruct another 200,000 housing units for 1.2 million individuals, enhance infrastructure, create an industrial zone covering 60 hectares, and build commercial and fishing ports, as well as reestablish Gaza's airport. This phase also intends to generate 500,000 jobs for Palestinians across various sectors.
This plan not only strives to repair the damaged infrastructure but also aims to encourage long-term development in Gaza, considering the population's projected growth to around 3 million by 2030.
The document emphasizes the significance of a two-state solution and insists on rebuilding Gaza in a manner that respects Palestinian rights. A core principle of the initiative categorically rejects any forced displacement of Palestinians from the enclave.
It asserts that the Gaza Strip is an essential part of Palestinian territories, warning that any efforts to separate it from the West Bank could intensify regional instability. The document voices concern over the potential neglect of Palestinian suffering, asserting that this disregard could spark further conflict.
For governance during the reconstruction phase, a temporary administrative committee is proposed, tasked with paving the way for the Palestinian National Authority’s full return to governance in Gaza within six months. International support is critical to the effective functioning of this structure.
To maintain security, Egypt and Jordan are collaborating to develop training programs for Palestinian police forces. These trained officers will take on roles in security, with operations requiring political and financial backing from international and regional entities. Additionally, the document proposes that the UN Security Council consider deploying international peacekeeping forces to Palestinian territories, including Gaza and the West Bank.
The Arab Plan calls for an end to unilateral actions such as the expansion of Israeli settlements, home demolitions, and military operations, while also emphasizing the need to uphold the historical and legal status of sacred sites. It concludes with a statement that, with sufficient political will, the proposed measures for Gaza’s reconstruction could be effectively executed.
Although the plan seems well-formulated, it faces several complex challenges, chiefly the question of governance in Gaza post-conflict. Hamas has historically resisted external interference and imposed solutions on Palestinians, raising uncertainty about a peaceful transition of power. However, Hamas has shown support for the current initiative, motivated by several factors.
First, Hamas's stated objective is the establishment of a Palestinian state, making it illogical to oppose an initiative directly aligned with that goal. Doing so might diminish its standing as a defender of Palestinian interests.
Second, Hamas recognizes the seriousness of the current climate. Rejecting this initiative could leave the group isolated against a hardline U.S. administration that has taken a tough stance on Gaza. In this context, supporting the proposal is a pragmatic strategy for Hamas.
Moreover, should the plan facilitate the establishment of a Palestinian state, Hamas could integrate into future political frameworks, thus preserving its influence and legitimizing its governance role. This positions the group's endorsement of the plan as both a tactical and strategically beneficial choice.
The Cairo Plan, however, lacks clarity concerning the financing of Gaza’s reconstruction, governance mechanisms, and addressing Hamas’s influence. The document suggests a transitional Governance Assistance Mission will replace the Hamas administration, overseeing humanitarian aid and the region's initial reconstruction phase.
The plan's proponents stress the urgency of establishing a Palestinian state but do not adequately consider the fragmentation within Palestinian leadership and the disunity among armed factions. The success of the initiative hinges on the creation of a unified political structure representing the Palestinian populace, a challenging prospect under current conditions.
Nevertheless, the international community has shown support for the initiative. The foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom have backed the Arab-led reconstruction effort, estimating that it will require $53 billion and aiming to prevent the mass displacement of Palestinians. A joint statement from these ministers described the plan as a “realistic pathway to Gaza’s reconstruction,” promising “rapid and sustainable improvements to the catastrophic living conditions in the enclave.”
However, both Israel and the U.S. have expressed opposition to the plan, casting doubts on its viability. This divergence underscores the depth of the political crisis and highlights the challenges in finding a compromise solution acceptable to all parties.
The Trump administration, aligned with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right government, is unlikely to permit the initiative to proceed, as Israel’s leadership appears to have an entirely different agenda for Gaza. The European support for the plan emphasizes the increasing rift between Washington and its European allies regarding their approaches to the Palestinian issue.
In summary, while the proposed plan may seem attractive on the surface, it is likely to conflict with the competing interests of major world powers and Israel’s reluctance to compromise. Consequently, this initiative risks following a path similar to the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002, remaining an unfulfilled diplomatic overture.
When considering Gaza and Palestinian statehood within a larger geopolitical framework, it appears probable that the Trump-Netanyahu alliance will effectively stifle aspirations for Palestinian self-determination, pressuring Arab nations to relinquish plans aimed at securing a future for the Palestinian people. Such a scenario would further destabilize the already fragile region, threatening the relative security of Egypt and Jordan and potentially igniting widespread regional conflict. As events unfold, the hope remains that the suffering of innocent civilians in the Middle East may eventually come to an end and that lasting peace can be attained—though this hope seems increasingly remote with each passing day.
Thomas Evans contributed to this report for TROIB News
