Egypt is developing a plan to rebuild Gaza without displacing Palestinians, countering former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to depopulate the territory and have the U.S. take control.
According to Egypt’s state-run Al-Ahram, the plan includes “secure areas” within Gaza where displaced Palestinians can stay while Egyptian and international firms rebuild infrastructure. Egyptian officials are discussing the initiative with European diplomats and Gulf states, seeking international funding for reconstruction.
Trump’s proposal to relocate Gaza’s 2 million residents and transform the region into a “Middle East Riviera” has been widely condemned as forced expulsion. While Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports the idea, Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia strongly oppose it.
Egypt’s plan emphasizes Palestinian self-governance. It calls for an administration independent of both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, supported by a police force made up of former PA officers, alongside Egyptian- and Western-trained security personnel.
Arab leaders, including those from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and Jordan, will meet in Riyadh this week to discuss Egypt’s proposal before presenting it at an upcoming Arab summit. European nations, including France and Germany, have signaled support for an Arab-led reconstruction plan.
The proposed three-phase reconstruction effort, expected to take up to five years, would establish “safe zones” with temporary shelters and humanitarian aid while infrastructure is restored. The initiative also aims to create tens of thousands of jobs for Palestinians.
Crucially, Egypt hopes to secure U.S. backing, believing that Washington’s approval could pressure Israel to accept the plan. However, a reported clause requiring a 10-year cessation of Israeli military operations in Gaza is likely to face resistance from Jerusalem.
