The unveiling of the "Gaza 2030" plan marks a significant initiative aimed at transforming the besieged Gaza Strip into a thriving community. This comprehensive Arab-led plan, estimated at $53 billion, seeks to rebuild Gaza over three distinct phases by the year 2030. The plan, accepted by Arab states as the "comprehensive Arab plan, Riviera of the Middle East," envisions a future for Gaza that excludes militant group Hamas and introduces an alternative governance structure under the Palestinian National Authority (PNA).
The reconstruction effort will span over a decade, starting with an initial six-month phase that will cost $3 billion and focus on clearing rubble. The subsequent two-year phase will require $20 billion and aims to construct new housing units and reestablish essential services. The final two-and-a-half-year phase, with an allocation of $30 billion, will continue developing facilities, networks, and service buildings. This ambitious plan anticipates accommodating over 3 million people in newly built homes.
However, the financial underpinnings of this extensive plan remain uncertain. While the proposal does not specify funding sources, potential contributors might include European nations and wealthier Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Arab states have expressed urgency, calling for an international conference on Gaza's recovery and reconstruction in Cairo this month, in cooperation with the UN.
"quickly provide the necessary support for the plan" – Arab states
Despite its promising vision, the plan has faced criticism for its lack of clarity on crucial issues such as governance, Hamas's future role, and the funding mechanism. The White House has dismissed the Arab proposal, standing by former President Donald Trump's controversial Middle East plan instead.
"fails to address the realities of the situation following October 7th, 2023, remaining rooted in outdated perspectives" – Israel's Foreign Ministry spokesperson
A National Security Council spokesman highlighted practical concerns about Gaza's current state.
"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
Additionally, Hamas has expressed mixed reactions to the proposal. A senior political official from Hamas noted both positive elements and potential areas for practical application but stressed the importance of allowing Palestinians to choose their leadership.
"to give the Palestinian people the chance to choose their representative leadership and their political pathway" – Senior political official for Hamas
"positive elements as well as a road map that is suitable to be a practical proposal" – Senior political official for Hamas
The Arab plan presents a roadmap with significant potential yet raises questions about who will finance it and how governance in Gaza will be structured without Hamas.
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