Arab leaders to convene in Cairo for Gaza reconstruction talks

The leaders of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates are set to meet in Cairo to discuss Egypt’s ambitious proposal for the reconstruction of Gaza following the devastating conflict in the region.

The high-level talks, scheduled to take place ahead of an "emergency Arab summit" on February 27, will address Egypt’s comprehensive two-phase plan for rebuilding Gaza, Caliber.Az reports per Egyptian media.

The reconstruction effort, which Egypt is spearheading, aims to restore Gaza over a three-to-five-year period. Unlike previous proposals, such as the controversial plan advocated by former US President Donald Trump, Egypt’s plan is expected to avoid large-scale population displacement. This emphasis on maintaining Gaza's demographic integrity is seen as a key component of the reconstruction strategy.

The first phase of the project, which is set to begin in the southern city of Rafah, will proceed northward through Gaza. The rebuilding process will be carried out in collaboration with Arab countries, the European Union, and the United Nations, ensuring a broad international effort to restore the war-torn region.

Details of the proposal, which will outline the specific steps and funding mechanisms for the reconstruction, are expected to be unveiled next week. The upcoming summit in Cairo will play a critical role in finalizing plans and garnering support from regional and international partners for this vital undertaking.

Egypt has said it is working on a "comprehensive vision" for the reconstruction of the war-torn Gaza Strip that guarantees Palestinians the right to stay on their land, unlike the proposal put forward by US President Donald Trump.

The Egyptian foreign ministry said it hoped to cooperate with the Trump administration to reach "a just settlement of the Palestinian cause".

It followed Trump's meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah on February 11, where he doubled down on his plan for the US to take over Gaza and permanently move the two million Palestinians living there to Jordan, Egypt and other locations.

Abdullah said every Arab state rejected the idea, and that Egypt would present an alternative.

By Vafa Guliyeva