In a recent summit held in Cairo, Arab leaders endorsed an Egyptian-led proposal to reconstruct the Gaza Strip, allocating $53 billion for the initiative. This plan serves as a counterproposal to U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Gaza Riviera” project, which aims to redevelop Gaza into a beach destination by relocating its Palestinian residents—a move critics label as ethnic cleansing. The Egyptian proposal emphasizes the reconstruction of Gaza while ensuring that its 2 million residents remain in place. Supported by key regional players such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the plan has been welcomed by both the European Union and the Palestinian Authority. However, Israel has rejected the proposal, maintaining a blockade on Gaza and demanding that Hamas accept the U.S. ceasefire extension and release hostages. Arab leaders stress that lasting peace is achievable only through the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
Egypt-Led Plan Counters U.S. ‘Gaza Riviera’ Proposal
