Arab leaders convened in Cairo on Tuesday for an emergency summit aimed at devising a unified response to former President Donald Trump’s controversial plan for Gaza. Central to the summit’s agenda was an expansive billion reconstruction proposal put forth by Egypt, which seeks to offer an alternative to Trump’s contentious vision of relocating Gaza’s population.

Egypt’s Motivation for a Reconstruction Plan

Initially, the focus of Arab nations, including Egypt, towards rebuilding Gaza was tepid. However, the dynamics shifted dramatically following Trump’s assertion that displaced Gazans could be relocated outside the territory. Egypt, which has consistently opposed this notion due to national security concerns, felt compelled to put forward its own reconstruction plan as a viable solution.

The Egyptian proposal has already been disseminated through various Arab media channels, bearing the intent of counteracting Trump’s strategy. It includes the formation of a temporary administrative body to manage Gaza’s affairs for six months—an initiative that Palestinian factions have summarily rejected, insisting that any governance must remain Palestinian-led without foreign intervention. According to Egyptian assessments, the rebuilding effort is projected to span at least four and a half years.

The Structure of Egypt’s Billion Plan

The Egyptian reconstruction initiative is delineated into two distinct phases:

• Phase One: A two-year initiative demanding billion, primarily focused on restoring residential areas devastated in prior conflicts.
• Phase Two: A two-and-a-half-year endeavor requiring billion, designed for more extensive infrastructure projects and essential rebuilding efforts.

Importantly, Egypt’s approach diverges sharply from Trump’s plan by explicitly excluding any forced displacement of Gazans. Furthermore, it emphasizes the necessity for Palestinian leadership in the reconstruction process.

Under this framework, the Palestinian Authority (PA) would collaborate with Egypt and Jordan to establish a trained police force for Gaza, although Hamas has categorically rejected this arrangement. The PA has also indicated it will not participate while Hamas maintains control over the territory.

Gulf Nations and Financial Backing: Conditions for Support

Despite Egypt’s proactive stance, securing funding remains a formidable challenge. Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar have shown a willingness to contribute financially but only under stringent conditions. “The Saudis are prepared to fund Gaza, but only if a clear trajectory towards a Palestinian state is established and there is a removal of Hamas,” said Ghaith Al-Omari, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute.

Moreover, these Gulf states are demanding concessions from Israel, such as agreements to end hostilities and ensure security. They also insist on involving the Palestinian Authority, even if its role is mostly symbolic to lend diplomatic legitimacy. As of now, it remains uncertain whether Israel’s current government would be amenable to such conditions.

The Arab League’s Dilemma

Arab League summits often serve as platforms for political posturing; however, they have historically struggled to produce tangible solutions. A significant hurdle remains security enforcement, with neither the Palestinian Authority nor any Arab nation willing to deploy troops to Gaza. Al-Omari pointed out, “Who will guarantee security? The PA lacks strength, and no Arab country wants to send forces.”

An Egyptian diplomatic source indicated that while Egyptian construction firms are poised to commence rebuilding, the pivotal challenge lies in achieving political consensus. “Egyptian companies could rebuild Gaza in three years, but actual progress hinges upon support from Israel and the U.S.,” the source noted.

Regional Tensions Over Egypt’s Role

As Egypt strives to take the lead in reconstruction, it faces growing tension with Gulf nations, particularly Saudi Arabia, that are anticipated to furnish most of the funding. Israeli analyst Danny Zaken highlighted that Egypt desires oversight over all facets of the reconstruction process—from budget allocation to contractor selection, including the destruction and rebuilding of infrastructure. This has engendered apprehensions of potential corruption among Gulf donors.

A former U.S. foreign service official echoed these concerns, stating, “Gulf states, specifically Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are extremely cautious of Egyptian mismanagement. If they provide financial support, they will demand stringent oversight to ensure the funds do not disappear into Egypt’s administrative apparatus.”

Jordan’s Strategic Distance

While Jordan has historically played a key diplomatic role in Arab affairs, it has successfully distanced itself from direct involvement in the reconstruction efforts. This strategic detachment reflects Jordan’s cautious approach to the evolving situation in Gaza and the broader regional dynamics.