European countries back Arab League's Gaza reconstruction plan

Foreign ministers of four European countries, including France, Germany, Italy and the UK, on ​​March 8 supported a plan to rebuild the Gaza Strip, which is expected to cost 53 billion USD.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the four countries stated: "This plan provides a realistic path to rebuilding Gaza and promises, if implemented, to rapidly and sustainably improve living conditions for Palestinians in Gaza."

The four European countries said they were committed to cooperating with the Arab initiative, while emphasizing their stance that Hamas forces should not be allowed to rule Gaza or threaten Israel.

Houses in the city of Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza, devastated after more than a year of conflict

The reconstruction plan was drafted by Egypt and approved by Arab leaders at a meeting on March 4. Egypt's proposal includes the establishment of an administrative committee in Gaza headed by Palestinian professionals, tasked with managing Gaza after the conflict between Israel and Hamas ends.

The 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on March 8 approved an Arab League proposal for post-conflict reconstruction of Gaza, which includes a provision that Palestinians will not be forced to relocate.

According to Al Jaazera, Egypt's proposal includes three phases. The first phase (3 billion USD) will establish a Gaza management committee, start the construction of 200,000 houses, with an expected restoration of 60,000 structures in 6 months. Phase 2 (20 billion USD) will continue to build 400,000 houses, restore electricity, water, telecommunications and other basic utilities, build industrial centers, seaports and airports. Phase 3 (30 billion USD) will focus on managing and supervising humanitarian aid activities.

US President Donald Trump and Israel oppose the Egyptian plan. Previously, the Trump administration proposed taking over Gaza and relocating Palestinians to resettle in Middle Eastern countries. This stance has faced much criticism and Arab countries have urgently tried to come up with an alternative plan, which was approved on March 4. US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said on March 6 that the Arab plan did not meet Washington's expectations.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cac-nuoc-chau-au-ung-ho-ke-hoach-tai-thiet-gaza-cua-lien-doan-a-rap-185250308205335049.htm