The Trump administration has rejected a reconstruction plan for Gaza proposed by Arab leaders, instead reaffirming its vision for the Gaza Strip that involves resettling Palestinian residents elsewhere and transforming the enclave into a U.S.-owned “riviera.” According to a statement by National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes, the administration believes that Gaza is currently uninhabitable due to widespread destruction and unexploded ordnance. He added that President Donald Trump remains committed to rebuilding the territory without Hamas in power and looks forward to further negotiations.
The plan, spearheaded by Egypt, calls for Hamas to cede control to an interim administration until a reformed Palestinian Authority (PA) can take over governance. This approach would allow Gaza’s approximately 2 million Palestinian residents to remain in the territory, unlike the U.S. proposal. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has stated that elections will be held in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem once conditions are appropriate.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not explicitly outlined his vision for Gaza’s postwar future, though he has expressed support for Trump’s plan. He has also stated that neither the PA nor Hamas should govern the region.
A $53 billion plan backed by Arab nations aims to reconstruct Gaza by 2030. The first phase focuses on clearing over 50 million tons of debris left by Israeli military operations, including the removal of unexploded ordnance. However, the extent of regional support for the plan remains uncertain. Leaders from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—whose financial support would be crucial—were absent from discussions, while Algeria boycotted the meeting, citing concerns over limited Arab participation.
A copy of the proposal obtained by CNN outlines ambitious development projects, including shopping malls, an international convention center, and an airport. It also envisions attracting tourists by developing resorts along Gaza’s Mediterranean coast. However, the plan acknowledges challenges in disarming militants, stating that disarmament can only be achieved through a credible political process that addresses the root causes of the conflict.
Meanwhile, Hamas officials have dismissed any suggestion of surrendering their weapons. Senior official Sami Abu Zuhri reiterated that the group’s arms remain a “red line” and are non-negotiable. While Hamas has indicated a willingness to discuss disarmament as part of a broader peace process, it refuses to accept it as a precondition.
The ongoing ceasefire in Gaza, which has been in place since January, remains fragile. Israel has endorsed an alternative U.S. proposal to extend the ceasefire and facilitate the release of hostages taken by Hamas in the October 7, 2023, attack. To pressure Hamas into accepting the deal, Israel has blocked humanitarian aid, drawing criticism from human rights organizations, which argue that the action violates international law.
During a regional summit, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi emphasized that true peace in the region hinges on the establishment of a Palestinian state. However, Israel has maintained that it will retain indefinite security control over both Gaza and the West Bank, territories it has controlled since the 1967 Mideast war. Most of Israel’s leadership remains opposed to Palestinian statehood.
