Egypt is developing a plan to reconstruct Gaza without displacing the approximately 2 million Palestinians residing there. This initiative counters US President Donald Trump’s suggestion to evacuate Gaza, allowing the US to transform the territory into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
The Egyptian state newspaper Al-Ahram reported that the plan involves establishing “safe zones” within Gaza for Palestinians to inhabit initially. Concurrently, Egyptian and international construction firms would rehabilitate the area’s infrastructure and oversee the reconstruction.
According to two Egyptian officials, along with Arab and Western diplomats, Egyptian authorities have discussed the plan with diplomats from European nations, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Discussions are ongoing regarding the financing of Gaza’s reconstruction. The possibility of hosting an international conference focused on Gaza’s reconstruction is also being considered.
Officials and diplomats shared this information anonymously, as the plan remains under negotiation. Al-Ahram stated that the plan intends to “challenge the rationale of US President Trump” and “oppose any scheme aimed at altering the geographical and demographic composition of the Gaza Strip.”
Palestinians have consistently affirmed their determination to remain in their homeland, while Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia have dismissed Trump’s proposals to relocate Gaza’s population to other countries.
