During the Arab League summit held in Cairo on Tuesday, Arab nations expressed strong support for an Egyptian-led plan aimed at reconstructing Gaza.

This plan stands in stark contrast to a previous proposal from the United States, which had faced significant condemnation from Palestinians and many global leaders.

The destruction in Gaza is extensive, with estimates indicating that approximately 51 million tonnes of rubble cover the region.

Since the escalation of conflict in October 2023, more than 60 percent of homes and 65 percent of roads have been destroyed, according to data from the United Nations.

Egypt's reconstruction plan is structured into multiple phases.

The initial phase is anticipated to last six months and focuses on critical tasks such as mine clearance, debris removal, and the provision of temporary housing.

Seven designated sites across Gaza are set to accommodate over 1.5 million displaced individuals, and initial repairs are planned for 60,000 homes that sustained partial damage.

Each temporary housing unit and repaired home is expected to house an average of six people.

Following the initial phase, the reconstruction enterprise will unfold over four and a half years in two stages.

The first stage aims to rebuild essential infrastructure—such as roads, utility networks, and public service facilities—while simultaneously constructing 200,000 permanent housing units to accommodate 1.6 million people.

Furthermore, over 8,000 hectares of land are slated for reclamation.

The second stage of the reconstruction effort will involve the construction of an additional 200,000 housing units and the completion of infrastructure projects, alongside the establishment of industrial zones, an airport, a fishing port, and a commercial seaport.

The estimated financial requirement for the comprehensive reconstruction plan totals US$53 billion (approximately $84.7 billion).

The first six-month phase is projected to cost around US$3 billion (about $4.7 billion), while the proposed budget for the first stage of reconstruction is set at $20 billion, with the second stage necessitating $30 billion.

An internationally-supervised trust fund is proposed to ensure efficient funding, transparency, and oversight.

Egypt plans to host a conference aimed at securing financial commitments from donor countries, international and regional financial institutions, the private sector, and civil society groups, acknowledging that substantial investment from oil-rich Gulf Arab states will be crucial.

Governance of Gaza during the implementation of this plan will involve an administrative committee formed by independent Palestinian technocrats.

This committee is intended to oversee humanitarian aid and manage Gaza's affairs during a planned six-month transitional period, paving the way for the potential return of the Palestinian Authority (PA), which has been sidelined since its ousting by Hamas in 2007.

PA President Mahmoud Abbas has indicated that if suitable conditions arise, presidential and legislative elections could be organized in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem next year.

Egypt's plan acknowledges challenges from militant groups like Hamas but does not explicitly demand disarmament.

Among Arab nations, opinions vary—some advocate for Hamas’s dismantlement, while others suggest that the decision should rest with Palestinians.

To bolster security, Egypt and Jordan will train PA-affiliated forces to serve as police in Gaza.

There are discussions surrounding an international presence in the Palestinian territories, including the potential for a United Nations Security Council resolution to deploy peacekeeping forces.

The response to Egypt's plan has been mixed.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed support, emphasizing that recovery in Gaza must extend beyond physical reconstruction.

Hamas has also indicated a willingness to cooperate, stating that its consent would be necessary regarding the temporary administrative committee's composition and tasks.

Conversely, Israel has expressed skepticism, having previously rejected both Hamas and PA involvement in Gaza's governance.

Israel reiterated its support for the earlier Trump plan, calling Egypt's proposal 'rooted in outdated perspectives.' Israeli officials maintained that for any progress, the immediate demilitarization of Hamas is paramount.

A White House spokesperson reaffirmed President Trump's commitment to his vision for Gaza, insisting that the current initiative fails to address the immediate humanitarian crisis and the conditions of living amid destruction.