US rejects Arab-backed Gaza plan, stands by controversial reconstruction vision

File Source: EuroNews

The United States has rejected an alternative plan for Gaza’s reconstruction proposed by Arab leaders, reaffirming President Donald Trump’s vision, which includes expelling Palestinian residents and transforming the war-torn enclave into a “riviera” under U.S. control.

“The current proposal does not address the reality that Gaza is currently uninhabitable and residents cannot humanely live in a territory covered in debris and unexploded ordnance,” National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said Tuesday night.

“President Trump stands by his vision to rebuild Gaza free from Hamas. We look forward to further talks to bring peace and prosperity to the region.”

The Arab-backed plan, spearheaded by Egypt, envisions Hamas ceding power to an interim administration until a reformed Palestinian Authority (PA) can assume control. Unlike Trump’s proposal, it allows Gaza’s two million Palestinian residents to remain. Speaking in Cairo, PA President Mahmoud Abbas promised general elections in the West Bank, Gaza, and occupied East Jerusalem for the first time in nearly two decades “if circumstances are suitable.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not detailed his vision for Gaza’s future but has endorsed Trump’s proposal for “a different Gaza,” rejecting both Hamas and the PA as governing authorities.

The $53 billion reconstruction plan by Arab nations aims to rebuild Gaza by 2030, beginning with clearing more than 50 million tons of rubble left by Israeli bombardments. Jordanian officials told CNN the plan would soon be presented to Trump. However, its level of regional support remains unclear.

A leaked document obtained by CNN outlines an ambitious vision for Gaza, including shopping malls, an international convention center, and even an airport within five years. The plan also proposes transforming Gaza’s Mediterranean coastline into a tourism hub while acknowledging the challenge of disarming militants.

“It is something that can be dealt with, and even ended forever, only if its causes are removed through a clear horizon and a credible political process,” the document states.

Hamas, however, has refused to disarm. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters: “The weapon of the resistance is a red line, and it is not negotiable. We will not accept (any deal) to trade it for reconstruction or the entry of aid.”

Despite Hamas sending mixed signals about its governance role, its leaders insist any transition of power must be a Palestinian-led process. Hamas official Husam Badran told Al Arabiya last week: “Our only condition is for this to be an internal Palestinian matter – we will not allow any regional or international party to get involved.”

The fragile ceasefire in Gaza, in place since January, is also under threat. Israel has supported an alternative U.S. plan linking hostilities’ cessation with the release of hostages taken in Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack. Meanwhile, Israel has blocked essential supplies to Gaza, pressuring Hamas to accept the terms, a move condemned by human rights groups as a violation of international law.

At a summit announcing the Arab plan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi warned there would be no “true peace” without the establishment of a Palestinian state. However, Israel remains firm in its stance, vowing to maintain indefinite security control over Gaza and the West Bank—territories it has occupied since 1967.

Israel’s government, along with most of its political class, continues to oppose Palestinian statehood, setting the stage for further geopolitical tensions in the region.