Egypt Pushes Gaza Rebuilding Plan as Arab Summit Nears
Cairo seeks international funding and diplomatic backing for rebuilding Gaza while rejecting displacement proposals
As the only Arab country with diplomatic ties to Israel and a longstanding role in Palestinian affairs, Egypt has positioned itself as the primary mediator in efforts to secure a long-term ceasefire in Gaza and lead reconstruction efforts. Working with regional and international partners, Cairo seeks to facilitate humanitarian aid, prevent further instability, and oppose Palestinian displacement. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is holding high-level diplomatic talks, rejecting US President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Gaza’s population.
Egypt views ceasefire negotiations and economic reconstruction as inseparable, arguing that political stability and rebuilding must go hand in hand. As part of its mediation efforts, el-Sisi is working with key diplomatic figures to coordinate both immediate humanitarian relief and long-term rebuilding initiatives.
On Sunday, he met with World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder and spoke by phone with Jordanian Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah to discuss hostage negotiations, humanitarian aid, and maintaining the ceasefire.
A Plan for Rebuilding, Not Displacement
Egypt’s initiative prioritizes large-scale reconstruction, with investments from Arab and European countries. One of the key contributors is Talaat Moustafa Holding Group, an Egyptian real estate conglomerate proposing a $27 billion project to rebuild Gaza’s infrastructure.
Hisham Talaat Moustafa, the company’s CEO, detailed the proposal on MBC Egypt’s Al-Hekaya program, explaining that 200,000 housing units would be built to accommodate 1.3 million residents, with additional funds allocated for infrastructure, education, health care, and commerce. He emphasized that if 40 to 50 countries contributed $500 million each over three years, the project would be fully funded.
“The international community is capable of resolving the crisis in the Gaza Strip through reconstruction and development,” he stated.
Egypt’s plan includes an immediate focus on restoring essential services, such as electricity, water, and medical facilities, while long-term projects will prioritize local labor, ensuring Palestinians are employed in the rebuilding process.
Walid Kazziha, a former professor at the American University in Cairo, told The Media Line that while Egypt does not have a fully developed plan, it is committed to preventing displacement and securing regional and international backing for Gaza’s reconstruction. He noted that the total estimated cost of rebuilding Gaza could reach $55 billion, requiring broad financial commitments.
Cairo’s Diplomatic Strategy and Regional Coordination
Egypt sees reconstruction as a way to stabilize the region and maintain its own national security. “Egypt has been leading Arab efforts to rebuild Gaza and already has a concrete plan—one that does not involve displacing Palestinians from their land,” Mohamed Gamal, an Egyptian journalist specializing in international affairs, told The Media Line.
During his meeting with Lauder, el-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s commitment to the ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the facilitation of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Lauder, in turn, praised Egypt’s role in stabilizing the region, expressing support for Cairo’s efforts.
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In addition, el-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s stance on the creation of a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with east Jerusalem as its capital. He also rejected President Trump’s proposal to relocate Gaza’s population and called for a reconstruction initiative in the Strip.
Meanwhile, in a phone conversation with Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein, el-Sisi emphasized strengthening bilateral ties between Egypt and Jordan and working together to support humanitarian aid and ceasefire efforts. Hussein expressed Jordan’s appreciation for Egypt’s leadership in maintaining stability and supported Cairo’s call for an Emergency Arab Summit to address the Palestinian issue.
Egyptian officials stress that a sustainable reconstruction plan cannot be implemented without political stability. Cairo argues that securing a viable governance structure is as crucial as rebuilding infrastructure, ensuring that reconstruction efforts are not undermined by future conflict. To ensure transparency and equitable distribution of aid, Cairo has proposed an international monitoring committee composed of representatives from the Arab League, European Union, and possibly the United Nations.
The Riyadh Summit: Arab Leaders Push for a Unified Approach
At the upcoming Arab summit in Riyadh, regional leaders—including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan—will seek consensus on Gaza’s future, with Cairo leading efforts to secure financial commitments for reconstruction. The summit is expected to address both governance and economic stability, with Egypt pushing for a structured funding framework to support rebuilding efforts while opposing any mass relocation of Palestinians and ensuring that Palestinian self-governance remains intact.
“The Riyadh summit will be a defining moment in shaping a unified Arab response to the crisis in Gaza,” Kazziha explained. “Egypt will ensure that Palestinians remain in their homeland rather than being forcibly removed.”
Egypt will ensure that Palestinians remain in their homeland rather than being forcibly removed
Gamal echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that Egypt will use the Riyadh platform to reinforce its rejection of displacement. “Cairo remains the primary guarantor and strongest supporter of the Palestinian cause. It is making it clear that any discussions with Washington must exclude the possibility of Palestinian displacement,” he said.
Cairo remains the primary guarantor and strongest supporter of the Palestinian cause
One key agenda item will be the governance of post-war Gaza. Egypt and Saudi Arabia are reportedly advocating for the Palestinian Authority (PA) to take administrative control, while Hamas’ role would be reduced. “The Arab summit will propose that Hamas formally steps aside and that the Palestinian Authority, as the internationally recognized representative, takes the lead,” Kazziha said. Some discussions have explored the possibility of integrating elements of Hamas into the PA, but major political changes will be necessary.
Palestinian Perspectives: Fear, Defiance, and Calls for Stability
While Arab leaders negotiate policy frameworks at summits, many Palestinians feel sidelined from decisions that will shape their future. As discussions on ceasefire terms, reconstruction funding, and governance unfold, those living in Gaza and abroad continue to face daily hardship and uncertainty.
Jumana, a Palestinian living in Cairo, described the difficulties of displacement: “People call Cairo ‘the mother of life,’ but we can’t move even inside Cairo. It’s only because I’m a Palestinian.” She expressed frustration at the lack of options, adding, “We are resisting because we don’t have any other choices.”
Inside Gaza, many remain determined to stay despite the hardships. “Gaza is not for sale, and our people will never, ever leave,” Jumana insisted. After enduring more than a year of war, many Gazans refuse to abandon their homeland.
Gaza is not for sale, and our people will never, ever leave
Another Palestinian who fled Gaza, Muhammed, criticized outside interference in his people’s future. “Why should I even have an opinion while others decide my life for me?” he asked. “The whole world let this happen to us and then asks for our opinion. I just want the world—both the West and the Arab countries—to leave us alone, plain and simple.”
What’s Next for Gaza?
As the Riyadh summit approaches, Egypt is positioned to lead efforts to secure funding, prevent displacement, and establish a governance framework for Gaza. While Arab nations are being urged to contribute financially, Egypt is working to ensure that Western donors do not dominate the rebuilding process.
For Palestinians, the message remains clear: they refuse to be uprooted. While political leaders debate strategies in conference rooms, the people of Gaza continue to face an uncertain future.
