Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is set to visit Riyadh this Thursday to discuss an ambitious Arab plan for Gaza’s post-war reconstruction. According to security sources, the initiative could involve up to $20 billion in financial contributions from regional powers. This plan aims to provide a strong alternative to controversial U.S. proposals that have sparked outrage among Arab leaders.
High-level discussions will take place between key nations, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, and Qatar, before a larger Arab summit scheduled for March 4 in Cairo. These meetings are expected to finalize a unified Arab stance on Gaza’s future governance and rebuilding efforts.
Countering the U.S. Proposal
Reports suggest that the United States, under President Donald Trump, has put forward a redevelopment plan for Gaza that would place the territory under U.S. control and potentially relocate large numbers of Palestinians to neighboring countries. This proposal has been met with strong opposition from regional leaders, who see it as destabilizing and a violation of Palestinian sovereignty.
Instead, the Arab-led initiative, primarily driven by Egypt, proposes a national Palestinian committee to govern Gaza—one that excludes Hamas but ensures international involvement in reconstruction without forcing Palestinians to leave their homeland.
Financial Incentives and Strategic Considerations
The proposed $20 billion fund from Arab and Gulf states could serve as a major bargaining chip to sway U.S. support for the plan. Emirati academic Abdulkhaleq Abdullah noted that Trump, known for his transactional approach, might find such an offer appealing, particularly given the economic benefits it could bring to American and Israeli firms.
The Palestinian Authority has estimated that the first phase of reconstruction will require approximately $20 billion over three years. However, discussions are still ongoing to determine the exact financial commitments from different Arab nations.
The Regional Response and Next Steps
Arab leaders, including Jordan’s King Abdullah, have expressed a pragmatic view of their role in shaping Gaza’s future. However, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has stated that Israel will not accept any proposal that allows Hamas to maintain a presence in Gaza.
As the plan takes shape, the upcoming Arab summit in Cairo will be crucial in determining whether a unified Arab vision can gain international traction and provide a realistic path forward for Gaza’s recover.
Our Verdict
The Arab world’s $20 billion proposal presents a bold alternative to U.S. plans for Gaza’s future. With key regional powers aligning on a common strategy, the coming weeks will reveal whether this initiative can gain enough global support to be implemented. The Riyadh meetings and the subsequent Cairo summit will play a decisive role in shaping the outcome.
