The foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, and Britain have expressed their support for an Arab-backed $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza, aimed at improving living conditions while preventing the displacement of Palestinians from the enclave.
In a joint statement on Saturday, the ministers described the plan as a “realistic path” to rebuilding Gaza, provided it is effectively implemented. The initiative, developed by Egypt and endorsed by Arab leaders earlier in the week, proposes an administrative committee composed of independent Palestinian technocrats to oversee Gaza’s governance under the supervision of the Palestinian Authority.
The European nations reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating with the Arab initiative, acknowledging the “important signal” sent by Arab states in pushing for a sustainable solution. The ministers also emphasized that Hamas “must neither govern Gaza nor be a threat to Israel anymore” and expressed strong support for the Palestinian Authority’s leadership and reform efforts.
Despite European and Arab backing, the plan has been rejected by Israel and former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has proposed an alternative vision for Gaza’s future, branding it a potential “Middle East Riviera.” The rejection by Israel raises questions about the plan’s viability in ending the ongoing conflict and ensuring long-term stability in the region.
With humanitarian conditions in Gaza deteriorating, international stakeholders continue to seek solutions to address urgent needs while balancing political complexities in the region.
