Egypt has introduced a $53 billion reconstruction plan to rebuild Gaza over five years, focusing on emergency relief, infrastructure restoration, and long-term economic development, according to a draft document cited by media reports. The proposal, set to be discussed at an emergency Arab summit in Cairo on Tuesday, directly challenges a plan put forward last month by U.S. President Donald Trump, which suggested taking control of Gaza and relocating its Palestinian population to Egypt and Jordan. Palestinians, along with Arab states and several U.S. and Israeli allies, have strongly opposed Trump’s proposal, rejecting any attempts to displace Gazans.
The Egyptian plan is divided into two main phases: an early recovery phase and a reconstruction phase. The early recovery phase, estimated to last six months at a cost of $3 billion, would focus on clearing mines and unexploded ordnance, removing debris, and providing temporary housing for displaced residents. To address immediate shelter needs, Egypt proposes setting up seven designated sites within Gaza to accommodate more than 1.5 million displaced people in temporary housing units, each designed for an average of six occupants. Additionally, initial repairs would be carried out on 60,000 partially damaged homes to provide shelter for approximately 360,000 people.
The reconstruction phase, which spans four and a half years, would be executed in two stages with an estimated cost of $50 billion. The first stage, running until 2027 with a budget of $20 billion, would focus on rebuilding essential infrastructure, including roads, utility networks, and public service facilities. This phase would also involve the construction of 200,000 permanent housing units to accommodate 1.6 million people and the reclamation of 20,000 acres of land. The second stage, extending until 2030 and costing an estimated $30 billion, aims to complete infrastructure projects, build an additional 200,000 housing units, and establish industrial zones, a fishing port, a commercial seaport, and an airport.
To ensure efficient funding, transparency, and oversight, the proposal suggests creating an internationally supervised trust fund. Cairo is also planning to host a high-level ministerial conference, bringing together donor countries, international and regional financial institutions, the private sector, and civil society groups to secure financial commitments for the initiative.
In terms of governance, the plan includes the formation of a Gaza administration committee composed of independent technocrats and non-partisan figures, which would operate under the Palestinian government for a transitional period of six months. This is seen as a step toward restoring full Palestinian Authority control over the territory. Additionally, Egypt and Jordan have been training Palestinian security forces to assume law enforcement responsibilities in Gaza, with a call for international and regional funding to support these efforts.
The proposal also raises the possibility of an international presence in Palestinian territories, suggesting that a potential United Nations Security Council resolution could authorize peacekeeping or protection forces in Gaza and the West Bank. This would be part of a broader roadmap leading to Palestinian statehood and the development of its governing institutions. While acknowledging the challenge posed by armed factions in Gaza, the plan argues that the issue could be addressed through a “credible political process” that safeguards Palestinian rights and offers a clear path toward a stable future.
Through this ambitious plan, Egypt is positioning itself as a key player in stabilizing Gaza while countering proposals that threaten to displace its people. The initiative underscores Cairo’s commitment to a long-term solution that prioritizes Palestinian self-determination and regional stability.
