European leaders back realistic $53B Arab-backed Gaza reconstruction plan rejected by US, Israel
European leaders are supporting a $53 billion Arab-backed plan for recovery and reconstruction in Gaza that was previously rejected by the US and Israel.The foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy and the UK issued a joint statement on Saturday saying they welcome the plan, which was drawn up by Egypt and adopted by Arab leaders at an emergency summit on Tuesday.“The plan shows a realistic path to the reconstruction of Gaza and promises — if implemented — swift and sustainable improvement of the catastrophic living conditions for the Palestinians living in Gaza,” the foreign ministers’ statement said.“Recovery and reconstruction efforts must be based upon a solid political and security framework acceptable to both Israelis and Palestinians, which provides long term peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians alike,” they continued.
The coalition added that it “explicitly” supports the “central role” of the Palestinian Authority and the implementation of its reform agenda in post-war Gaza.“We are clear that Hamas must neither govern Gaza nor be a threat to Israel any more,” it added.The plan calls for a committee that would temporarily oversee humanitarian aid and manage the Strip’s affairs under the supervision of the Palestinian Authority.It has been rejected by Israel and President Trump, who has pushed resettling Palestinians outside the territory and expressed a vision of transforming Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” Both parties say the plan fails to address the realities in Gaza.“Residents cannot humanely live in a territory covered in debris and unexploded ordnance,” Brian Hughes, a spokesperson for Trump’s National Security Council, said in a statement earlier this week.“President Trump stands by his vision to rebuild Gaza free from Hamas,” he added.Separately, Iran also reportedly rejected the plan as it supports only a one-state solution for Palestine, not the proposed two-state solution w...