European Countries Support $53 Billion Arab Proposal for Gaza Reconstruction

March 8, 2025 TruthUSA

Foreign ministers from France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom announced their support for a plan that aims to transfer governance away from Hamas.

Several European nations are backing an Arab-supported initiative for the reconstruction of Gaza, estimated to cost $53 billion, with a focus on avoiding Palestinian displacement.

On March 8, foreign ministers from France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom shared their endorsement for the plan developed by Egypt and endorsed by numerous Arab nations earlier in the week.

In a joint statement, the ministers stated that the plan presents a practical approach to reconstructing Gaza, offering a potential for swift and sustainable improvements amidst the dire living conditions faced by the Palestinian inhabitants.

The plan stipulates that Hamas must relinquish governance in Gaza and ensure no threat to Israel.

It also proposes an administrative committee comprising independent Palestinian professionals to oversee Gaza’s governance post-conflict between Israel and Hamas.

This committee would manage humanitarian aid and province affairs temporarily under the Palestinian Authority’s supervision.

Israel and the United States have dismissed the plan.

White House National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes stated that President Trump remains committed to his vision of rebuilding Gaza without Hamas.

Further talks are anticipated to advance peace and prosperity in the region.

U.S. President Donald Trump has put forth a suggestion for the United States to take control of Gaza and transform it into a “Middle East Riviera.” Trump has not excluded the use of military force to achieve this objective.

According to Trump’s plan, the 2 million Palestinians in Gaza would be permanently relocated to other countries.

Leaders across the Middle East have strongly opposed Trump’s proposal, raising questions about how the United States would conduct the relocation of Palestinian residents, considering that forcible relocation is deemed a war crime since World War II.

The statement from the four European ministers on Saturday indicated their dedication to collaborating with the Arab initiative, highlighting a divergence in American and European foreign policy interests.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, leading the Palestinian Authority, expressed his support for the Egyptian proposal and urged Trump to back a plan that does not involve displacing Palestinian residents.

Abbas also signaled readiness to conduct presidential and parliamentary elections in Gaza if the agreement is finalized.

To cover the reconstruction costs of the $53 billion plan, substantial investments from oil-rich Gulf Arab states like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia would be necessary to implement the plan.

The UAE, viewing Hamas and various Islamist groups as significant threats, advocates for a complete disarming of Hamas as part of the agreement, while other Arab nations favor a gradual disarmament process.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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