The Arab League has urged the international community to fund their plan to rebuild the Gaza Strip, following US President Donald Trump’s proposal to take over the Palestinian territory. The summit, held in Baghdad, Iraq, emphasized the need for financial support to back their reconstruction plan.
Quotes from the Summit
- Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani: “This genocide [in Gaza] has reached a level of ugliness unparalleled in all conflicts in history.”
- United Nations chief Antonio Guterres: “We need a permanent ceasefire now, the unconditional release of the hostages now, and the free flow of humanitarian aid ending the blockade now.”
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez: “The humanitarian crisis in Gaza must end immediately and without delay.” He also announced that Spain will present a proposal to the General Assembly for the International Criminal Court to examine Israel’s compliance with delivering relief aid to Gaza.
Reconstruction Plan Details
The Arab plan for Gaza proposes rebuilding the Palestinian enclave without displacing its 2.4 million residents. The plan includes:
- Early Recovery Phase: $3 billion for mine removal, debris clearance, temporary housing, and renovation of damaged buildings
- Reconstruction Phase: $20 billion for infrastructure development, housing units, and industrial zones
- Total Estimated Cost: $53 billion
International Response
- The European nations have welcomed the Arab initiative for Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction.
- Trump’s proposal to take over Gaza has been widely condemned, prompting Arab leaders to come up with their own plan.