The foreign ministers of the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Germany have expressed their support for a bold new plan to reconstruct the Gaza Strip, unveiled by Arab leaders and backed by Egypt.
The $53 billion proposal, which has already been rejected by both the US and Israel, now has garnered significant European backing.
In a joint statement released on Saturday, the foreign ministers of the four European nations hailed the plan as a “realistic” approach to rebuilding Gaza. The initiative aims to provide a comprehensive framework for reconstruction while avoiding the displacement of the territory’s 2.4 million inhabitants.
“The plan shows a realistic path to the reconstruction of Gaza and promises – if implemented – swift and sustainable improvement of the catastrophic living conditions for the Palestinians living in Gaza,” the foreign ministers wrote in a joint statement.
On March 5, 2025, the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, and the UK (E3) issued a joint statement urging for sustained humanitarian access to Gaza amid the ongoing crisis. The ministers reiterated their support for the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas and called for the continuation of humanitarian aid, which is critical for Gaza’s recovery.
In their statement, the ministers highlighted the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, especially in light of Israel’s announcement on March 2 to halt the entry of goods and supplies into the territory. The E3 ministers expressed their deep concern over the potential violation of international law if such restrictions continue, especially regarding essential items like medical equipment, water, and sanitation supplies.
“We call on the Government of Israel to abide by its international obligations to ensure full, rapid, safe, and unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance to the population in Gaza,” the ministers said.
Arab Plan — an alternative to Trump’s vision for Gaza
The Arab-backed plan, crafted by Egypt and adopted by Arab leaders at a summit earlier this week, presents an alternative to the controversial proposal put forward by U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump’s plan, which has been widely criticized, suggested turning Gaza into a resort-like enclave, with proposals for large-scale depopulation and the relocation of Palestinians to turn the enclave into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
In contrast, the Egyptian plan, which has been embraced by the Palestinian Authority (PA) and even Hamas, seeks to maintain Gaza’s Palestinian population within the region. It calls for a governance structure under the Palestinian Authority, with a temporary committee of independent technocrats to oversee the rebuilding process until stability is restored.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which represents the Muslim world, in a statement urged “the international community and international and regional funding institutions to swiftly provide the necessary support for the plan.”
Europe shows support for Palestinian Authority’s role
In their joint statement, the European foreign ministers reinforced their commitment to the Palestinian Authority’s central role in the governance of Gaza following the war.
The ministers expressed firm support for the PA’s “reform agenda” and emphasized that Hamas must not be allowed to govern Gaza, nor should it pose a threat to Israel’s security. “We are clear that Hamas must neither govern Gaza nor be a threat to Israel anymore,” the statement noted. It also applauded the efforts of the Arab states in developing the reconstruction plan, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation to address the challenges facing Gaza.
What is Egypt’s plan for the Reconstruction of Gaza?
Egypt’s Gaza reconstruction plan offers a detailed, multi-phase strategy to rebuild the war-torn enclave. The initiative was presented at an Arab League summit and outlines a comprehensive approach to rebuilding Gaza while maintaining the rights and presence of its Palestinian population. The plan is designed to restore basic infrastructure, provide housing, and establish governance under the Palestinian Authority.
The key components of Egypt’s reconstruction plan include:
1. Interim Period (6 Months)
- Governance Setup: A Palestinian technocrat committee, under the Palestinian Authority, will oversee the reconstruction process. This will ensure that a professional, independent team manages the rebuilding efforts.
- Rubble Clearing: A key focus will be clearing debris from critical areas, such as Salah al-Din Street, the main north-south highway in Gaza, to restore vital infrastructure.
- Temporary Housing: The construction of 200,000 temporary housing units will accommodate up to 1.2 million displaced individuals, offering immediate relief.
- Building Restoration: About 60,000 partially damaged buildings will be repaired to provide essential shelter and infrastructure.
2. Reconstruction Phase (2 Years)
- Further Rubble Clearing: Continued clearing of debris from the region to ensure that all necessary sites are prepared for reconstruction.
- Utility Network Establishment: The development of water, electricity, and sewage systems will be prioritized to restore basic services to the population.
- Housing Construction: Additional housing units will be built to meet the needs of Gaza’s population, further alleviating the housing crisis.
- Infrastructure Rebuilding: Key infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and roads will be reconstructed to serve the community’s needs and facilitate daily life.
3. Long-Term Reconstruction (2.5 Years)
- Permanent Housing: The construction of 400,000 permanent homes will ensure a long-term solution to Gaza’s housing shortage, aiming to house the entire population.
- Economic Infrastructure: Gaza’s seaport and international airport will be rebuilt, enabling trade and travel to support economic recovery and growth.
- Industrial Development: The establishment of industrial zones will help revive Gaza’s economy, providing jobs and fostering sustainable development.
- Critical Services Restoration: Essential services, including telecommunications, waste management, and healthcare facilities, will be restored to provide a better quality of life for residents.
$53 billion funding breakdown
- Phase 1 (6 Months): $3 billion for rubble clearing, temporary housing, and building restoration.
- Phase 2 (2 Years): $20 billion for infrastructure, utilities, and continued housing construction.
- Phase 3 (2.5 Years): $30 billion for permanent housing, economic infrastructure, and industrial development.
US and Israel reject alternative Arab plan for Gaza
Despite the broad support for the Arab-led plan from Europe, it has been met with rejection from both the United States and Israel. U.S. officials have criticized the proposal for failing to address what they perceive as the “realities” of Gaza, while Israeli officials have expressed concerns about the governance structure outlined in the plan.
The plan’s rejection by Israel and the U.S. comes amid heightened tensions over the future of Gaza, where years of conflict and destruction have left millions of Palestinians in dire conditions. The European leaders, however, have reiterated their commitment to working with all relevant parties to help implement the plan and bring about long-term peace and stability in the region.
While the Egyptian-led reconstruction plan for Gaza represents a promising path to recovery and a potential resolution to the region’s humanitarian crisis, it also highlights the ongoing divisions between international powers. The contrasting visions of the U.S. and European nations underscore the complexities of addressing the future of Gaza, a region that has long been at the center of Middle Eastern conflict. However, for many, the Arab-backed plan offers a glimmer of hope for rebuilding Gaza without further displacement or loss of life.