A Palestinian flag flutters amid the ruins of buildings in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. AFP
In a joint statement, the four countries’ foreign ministers welcomed the Egyptian counterproposal to US President Donald Trump's plan to take control of the territory and ethnically cleanse its population.
The counterproposal "shows a realistic path to the reconstruction of Gaza and promises — if implemented — a swift and sustainable improvement of the catastrophic living conditions for the Palestinians living in Gaza," read the statement.
Ratified by the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Egyptian plan "offers a realistic path forward for Gaza, one that could bring much-needed relief to its people," they added, referencing the dire conditions Palestinians face after 15 months of Israel’s genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.
The plan proposes rebuilding Gaza, estimated at $53 billion, under the future administration of the Palestinian Authority. It focuses on restoring vital infrastructure, addressing urgent humanitarian needs, and ensuring sustainable development, all while guaranteeing that Palestinians remain on their land.
European ministers emphasized that any recovery efforts must be based on a solid political and security framework acceptable to Israelis and Palestinians. The goal, they added, is to secure long-term peace and security for both sides.
The statement clarified that Hamas must not govern Gaza, reaffirming support for the Palestinian Authority and its central role in the region while expressing commitment to working alongside the Arab initiative, Palestinians, and Israel to address critical issues, such as governance and security.
The ministers urged all parties to view the plan as a foundation for progress, describing it as a vital step towards a potential resolution of the ongoing conflict.
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