Egypt has unveiled a $53 billion initiative aimed at rebuilding Gaza over five years, focusing on emergency relief, infrastructure rehabilitation, and economic development, according to a draft document shared.
The proposal, set for discussion at an extraordinary Arab summit in Cairo, stands in contrast to a plan suggested by U.S. President Donald Trump last month, which involved assuming control of Gaza and relocating its Palestinian population to Egypt and Jordan. Trump’s proposal has been widely condemned by Palestinians, Arab nations, and international partners of Israel and the United States.
The Egyptian plan consists of two phases: an early recovery phase and a longer-term reconstruction phase.
- Early Recovery Phase (Six Months, $3 Billion): This stage prioritizes clearing mines and debris, as well as providing temporary housing. Egypt proposes establishing seven designated sites within Gaza to shelter 1.5 million displaced people and repairing 60,000 homes to accommodate 360,000 residents.
- Reconstruction Phase (Four and a Half Years, $50 Billion):
- The first stage, running until 2027 with a $20 billion budget, focuses on rebuilding infrastructure such as roads, utilities, and public service facilities. It also includes the construction of 200,000 permanent housing units for 1.6 million people and the reclamation of 20,000 acres of land.
- The second stage, extending to 2030 at a cost of $30 billion, aims to complete major infrastructure projects, build an additional 200,000 housing units, and establish industrial zones, a fishing port, a commercial seaport, and an airport.
Egypt’s Funding and Governance Plan
To finance the project, Egypt suggests creating an internationally supervised trust fund to ensure transparency and sustainability. A high-level ministerial conference in Cairo will seek financial support from donor nations, global institutions, private investors, and civil society groups.
In terms of governance, a transitional Gaza administration committee composed of independent technocrats will oversee the territory for six months under the Palestinian government. The plan envisions the Palestinian Authority gradually resuming full control of Gaza. Meanwhile, Egypt and Jordan are training Palestinian security forces to manage law enforcement, with calls for international and regional support to assist this effort.
The proposal also raises the possibility of an international presence in Palestinian territories, potentially involving a UN Security Council resolution to deploy peacekeeping or protection forces in Gaza and the West Bank. This move is presented as part of a broader effort to establish a Palestinian state and build its institutions.
Acknowledging the challenge posed by armed factions in Gaza, the plan suggests that a credible political process could help resolve security concerns while restoring Palestinian rights and laying the groundwork for long-term stability.