The Trump administration has rejected a plan for reconstructing Gaza endorsed by Arab leaders, citing the president’s own vision that includes expelling the territory’s Palestinian residents and transforming it into a “riviera” owned by the US.
Gaza’s current proposal, backed by Egypt, would allow its 2 million Palestinians to remain in control, in contrast to Trump’s plan. The $53 billion plan calls for rebuilding Gaza by 2030 and includes measures such as removing unexploded ordnance and clearing rubble left by Israel’s bombardment.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi stated that there would be no “true peace” without the establishment of the Palestinian state. However, Israel has vowed to maintain open-ended security control over both Gaza and the West Bank.
Senior Hamas officials have expressed their refusal to disarm, saying it is a non-negotiable condition. Analysts have noted that while Hamas may discuss demilitarization as an end goal, they are keen not to allow it to become a prerequisite of the peace process.
The US rejection has raised concerns among Arab states and human rights groups, who fear it could lead to a return to fighting in Gaza. The current ceasefire remains in doubt after its first phase expired on Saturday.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/04/middleeast/us-arab-gaza-reconstruction-plan-rejects-hnk-intl/index.html