Arab leaders summit reaffirms commitment to Gaza reconstruction
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The leaders of numerous Arab countries convened in Egypt's capital and reaffirmed their rejection of the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.
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Journalists watch a screen displaying Arab Leaders at the press center hall of the emergency Arab summit at Egypt's New Administrative Capital, just outside Cairo, Tuesday, March 4, 2025 (AP)
Arab leaders gathered in Cairo for an emergency summit to discuss developments in the Palestinian issue and Egypt’s proposed plan for Gaza. The summit saw numerous discussions, most notably on reconstruction efforts, political governance, and international responses to the ongoing crisis.
Palestinian Authority
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas praised the Arab initiative for rebuilding Gaza and urged US President Donald Trump to support reconstruction efforts without displacing Palestinians.
He outlined a Palestinian vision centered on the Palestinian Authority assuming governance in Gaza through its official institutions, adopting Egypt’s plan, and ensuring the success of an international reconstruction conference set to be hosted by Cairo next month.
Abbas also expressed readiness to hold general elections next year, contingent on favorable conditions, and announced the creation of a vice-presidential position for both the State of Palestine and the Palestine Liberation Organization.
Egypt
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi confirmed his country’s efforts to form an independent committee to administer Gaza, working in coordination with Palestinian authorities. He stated that this committee, responsible for overseeing the reconstruction process, would pave the way for the Palestinian Authority’s return to governance.
According to Sisi, Egypt is training Palestinian security personnel to assume control of the Strip’s security in the coming phase. Sisi also condemned Israeli violations against Palestinians in the West Bank and warned against continued provocations at al-Aqsa Mosque.
Furhtermore, he described the normalization agreement between his country and the Israeli occupation as a model for transforming conflict into peace and prosperity.
Jordan
Jordan’s King Abdullah II rejected the Israeli occupation's decision to block humanitarian aid to Gaza, calling it a violation of international law. He also opposed any forced displacement of Palestinians, expressing full support for Gaza’s reconstruction and the Palestinian Authority’s efforts to implement a viable governance plan linking Gaza and the West Bank.
The Jordanian monarch reaffirmed that a two-state solution remains the only path to establishing a Palestinian state with East al-Quds as its capital.
Bahrain
Similarly, Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa opposed any plans to forcibly relocate Palestinians and backed Egypt’s initiative for Gaza.
Lebanon
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to Palestinian rights and the liberation of occupied Lebanese land.
He emphasized that peace cannot be achieved without ensuring Palestinian rights, stating that Lebanon has learned from its past struggles to safeguard its sovereignty while maintaining strong Arab and international legitimacy
Iraq
Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid called for urgent action to rebuild Gaza, proposing the establishment of a dedicated reconstruction fund.
He strongly rejected any attempts to resettle Palestinians outside their homeland, warning against what he described as "catastrophic schemes" aimed at erasing Palestinian identity.
Mauritania
Mauritanian President Mohammed Ould Ghazouani stressed the importance of securing and implementing a ceasefire in Gaza while reaffirming the necessity of a two-state solution as the foundation for lasting peace.
Arab League
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit underscored that Gaza’s reconstruction must ensure Palestinians remain in their homeland, warning against any efforts to impose a new Nakba.
United Nations
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres acknowledged the temporary relief provided by the initial phase of the ceasefire and stressed the urgency of preventing renewed hostilities.
He called for a legal and political framework for Gaza’s reconstruction, ensuring it remains an integral part of a future Palestinian state.
Guterres also highlighted the vital role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), urging full financial and logistical support for its mission in aiding Palestinian refugees.
Ethnic cleansing bid
Trump had previously proposed plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan while placing the Palestinian territory under US administration.
Trump’s declaration that the US could "take over" Gaza has triggered shockwaves among American officials, Israeli right-wing circles, and Arab governments.
During an Oval Office meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump proposed transforming war-ravaged Gaza into the "Riviera of the Middle East" and inviting "the world's people" to settle there. His comments, made in front of 150 journalists, surprised even his closest advisors, as he suggested that the US would "own" the Palestinian territory.
