The adoption of Egypt's reconstruction plan signals a unified Arab stance against Trump's displacement proposal. Analysts say the plan serves both practical and political objectives. It reaffirms Gaza's place within the Palestinian state while offering an Arab-led solution that aligns with international legitimacy resolutions.

CAIRO, March 7 (Xinhua) -- At their recent emergency summit in Cairo on Tuesday, Arab leaders embraced Egypt's Gaza non-displacement reconstruction plan as a "unified Arab plan" and a practical alternative to U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to relocate Gazans.

They dismissed Trump's suggestion, and opposed U.S. and Israeli anti-Palestinian policies.

They rejected any form of displacement of the Palestinians, starvation policies and scorched earth tactics, attempts to alter the demographic makeup of Palestinian land, halting humanitarian aid to Gaza or closing relief crossings, Israeli aggression in the West Bank, as well as annexing parts of the West Bank under any guise.

Despite broad Arab and international support, the plan faces real challenges given the U.S.-Israeli stance and the massive 53 billion dollars in required funding.

STRUCTURED PLAN, STRATEGIC SHIFT

Egypt's reconstruction roadmap for Gaza is structured into three phases over five years, with an estimated total cost of 53 billion U.S. dollars.

The adoption of Egypt's reconstruction plan signals a unified Arab stance against Trump's displacement proposal. Analysts say the plan serves both practical and political objectives. It reaffirms Gaza's place within the Palestinian state while offering an Arab-led solution that aligns with international legitimacy resolutions.

"Egypt's plan confirms that Gaza is an integral part of the Palestinian state and will be rebuilt in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions," said Ezzat Saad, director of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs.

He stressed that the plan does not ignore Gaza's deteriorating security, as it includes training for Palestinian security cadres for stability in Gaza and requires a UN Security Council resolution to deploy peacekeeping forces.

The plan also enjoys rare Arab unity, with all 22 nations standing against Trump's displacement proposal.

Hani Al-Masri, director of the Ramallah-based Masarat Center for Research and Studies, called the plan "a positive step" in practically opposing displacement and offering a clear alternative to U.S.-Israeli proposals.

MULTIPLE CHALLENGES

While the Egyptian plan offers a structured alternative to forced displacement, its success depends on international political will, as Arab states alone cannot implement it, said experts.

Saad explained that the 53-billion-dollar funding estimate aligns with UN projections, and that resources will be raised at an international donor conference in Cairo next month.

The reconstruction cost reflects the extent of devastation in Gaza. Although Arab and European nations are expected to contribute, experts say that securing funding remains uncertain.

Jordanian lawyer and writer Muhammad al-Subaihi warned that financing would likely fall solely on Gulf states as Europe and the United States remain financially strained due to the Ukraine crisis.

The plan assumes a ceasefire, but Israel appears set to escalate rather than withdraw. Without firm guarantees to halt displacement and secure a lasting ceasefire, implementation faces significant hurdles.

"Therefore, any discussion of reconstruction remains meaningless without addressing the core issue -- ending the war and lifting the siege on Gaza," said Al-Masri, Masarat's director.

"There is no sign that Arab backing for the plan will change Washington or Tel Aviv's stance. Trump has not retracted his displacement plan; rather, his administration and Israel quickly opposed the Egyptian proposal," he noted.

HAMAS'S ROLE

One of the most contentious issues surrounding the plan is Hamas's role in Gaza's future governance.

Egypt's proposal envisions a technocratic administration overseeing reconstruction, signaling a potential power shift in Gaza's leadership.

"I believe the Egyptian plan will succeed in the absence of Hamas, which has issued clear statements indicating that it doesn't mind withdrawing from the political scene," Saad told Xinhua.

However, Israel's demand for Hamas's disarmament remains a major sticking point.

"Hamas will not leave Gaza or surrender its weapons, as that would mean its elimination," Al-Subaihi, the Jordanian lawyer and writer, argued.

While Hamas's exclusion may simplify diplomatic efforts, ignoring its influence on the ground complicates long-term political arrangements.

Echoing Al-Subaihi, Al-Masri said that Hamas is an active force on the ground, and any future arrangements in Gaza cannot take place without an understanding of it. "Hamas may not be part of a new government, but it cannot simply be ignored or eliminated," he added.