European countries are lending their support to an ambitious Arab-backed plan to rebuild Gaza without displacing its residents. On Saturday, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, and Britain announced their endorsement of the $53 billion proposal, which aims to swiftly improve living conditions for Palestinians in the enclave.
“The plan offers a realistic path to reconstruct Gaza,” the ministers said in a joint statement. “If implemented, it promises swift and sustainable improvement of the catastrophic living conditions for the Palestinians living in Gaza.”
Drafted by Egypt and adopted by Arab leaders earlier this week, the proposal envisions the creation of an administrative committee composed of independent Palestinian professionals. This committee would govern Gaza temporarily, overseeing humanitarian aid and managing the Strip’s affairs under the supervision of the Palestinian Authority.
The European ministers expressed their commitment to working with the Arab initiative, appreciating the “important signal” sent by Arab states in developing the plan. They emphasized that Hamas “must neither govern Gaza nor be a threat to Israel any more,” and voiced support for the Palestinian Authority’s central role and reform agenda.
However, the plan faces opposition. Israel and the United States have rejected the proposal. U.S. President Donald Trump has offered an alternative vision to transform the Gaza Strip into a “Middle East Riviera.”
The situation in Gaza remains critical, and the international community is keenly watching developments. The backing of key European nations could pave the way for meaningful change, offering hope to the millions affected by the ongoing conflict.
