Gaza Ceasefire Threatened as Reconstruction Plan Faces Opposition

Cairo,Egypt – Amid growing concerns that the fragile ceasefire agreement in Gaza is on the verge of collapse,international efforts to secure a lasting truce and initiate reconstruction face important obstacles. The initial six-week phase of the ceasefire expired last Saturday, leading to renewed tensions and stalled negotiations.

Stalled Truce Extension

Israel has reportedly blocked aid from entering Gaza, aiming to pressure Hamas to except a new US proposal for a temporary extension of the truce. This proposal would involve the release of additional hostages held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, Hamas has insisted that the second phase of the agreement should proceed as originally planned, leading to a complete end to the war and the full withdrawal of Israeli troops.

• Israel seeks a temporary extension for further hostage releases.
• Hamas demands a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal.
• Aid blockades exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Arab League’s $53 Billion Reconstruction Plan

An emergency Arab League summit held on Tuesday in cairo presented a extensive reconstruction plan for Gaza, estimated to cost $53 billion (£41 billion). Egypt introduced the plan, which envisions a phased rebuilding process spanning five years.

A key element of the Arab plan is its firm stance against the displacement of Palestinians. A statement endorsing the plan stressed “the categorical rejection of any form of displacement of the Palestinian people,” describing such an idea as “a gross violation of international law, a crime against humanity and ethnic cleansing.”

Reconstruction Phases

The plan consists of three distinct phases:

1. phase 1 (6 months, $3 billion): Clearing millions of tonnes of rubble and unexploded ordnance.
2. Phase 2 (2 years, $20 billion): rebuilding housing and utilities. This phase addresses the urgent need for shelter and basic services essential for Gazans to rebuild their lives.
3. Phase 3 (2 years, $30 billion): Constructing an airport, two seaports, and an industrial zone. This phase aims to establish the infrastructure needed for long-term economic growth and connectivity to the rest of the world.

The plan also includes the construction of 200,000 prefabricated housing units and the repair of 60,000 homes to accommodate approximately 1.5 million displaced Gazans.

Political Reactions to the Plan

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed his support for the Arab plan and urged Donald Trump to endorse it. Hamas also voiced its appreciation for “the Arab position rejecting attempts to displace our people.” However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected any future role for Hamas or the Palestinian Authority (PA) in Gaza.

Rejection from Israel and the US

Israel’s foreign ministry swiftly rejected the Arab League’s statement, asserting that it “fails to address the realities of the situation following 7 October 2023, remaining rooted in outdated perspectives.” The ministry further stated, “Now, with President Trump’s idea, there is an opportunity for the Gazans to have free choice based on their free will. This should be encouraged!”

Similarly, White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes stated that the Arab plan did “not address the reality that Gaza is currently uninhabitable and residents cannot humanely live in a territory covered in debris and unexploded ordnance.” He added, “President Trump stands by his vision to rebuild Gaza free from Hamas. We look forward to further talks to bring peace and prosperity to the region.”

Trump’s Controversial Proposal

Donald Trump proposed the US would “own” Gaza and relocate its population, transforming it into the “Riviera of the middle East.” He suggested that displaced Palestinians would not have the right of return because they would have “much better housing” in neighboring countries.

The Assistant Secretary General of the Arab League,Hossam Zaki,condemned Trump’s approach as unacceptable,stating,”It is indeed based on the forced displacement of Palestinians out of their homes and of their land. This is against international law and, we have said this time and again, this is not a way to treat this man-made crisis.” He also criticized the Israeli foreign ministry’s response as “against humanity and against morals.”

Past Context and Current Realities

The fears of Palestinians are rooted in the Nakba, the Arabic word for “catastrophe,” referring to the mass displacement of Palestinians before and during the creation of Israel in 1948.many of those refugees ended up in Gaza, where they and their descendants comprise a significant portion of the population. The United Nations estimates that 3.4 million registered Palestinian refugees live in Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.

The current conflict was triggered by the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. Since then,Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports that over 48,400 people have been killed.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reports that around 70% of buildings are estimated to be damaged or destroyed, and the healthcare, water, sanitation, and hygiene systems have collapsed, leaving the population without access to essential resources [Source: UNRWA Report, 2025]. Millions are facing displacement and the shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and shelter are dire.

EPA

AFP

Conclusion

With the ceasefire in jeopardy and widely divergent approaches to Gaza’s future from key actors, the path forward remains uncertain. The international community faces the daunting task of addressing the immediate humanitarian crisis while navigating complex political hurdles to pave the way for a sustainable and peaceful future for Gaza.

Gaza Reconstruction: An Interview with Humanitarian Coordinator, Dr. Amina Khoury

The situation in Gaza remains critical, with a fragile ceasefire and ongoing debates about the region’s future. Today, we speak with Dr. Amina Khoury, a leading humanitarian coordinator with extensive experience in post-conflict reconstruction, to discuss the challenges and potential solutions for rebuilding Gaza.

Understanding the Complexities of Gaza’s Reconstruction

Archyde News Editor: Dr. Khoury, thank you for joining us. The proposed $53 billion Arab League reconstruction plan for Gaza is enterprising. Given the current political climate and stalled truce extension, do you beleive it’s truly feasible?

Dr. Amina Khoury: Thank you for having me. Feasibility is indeed the central question. While the Arab League’s commitment is commendable, the plan’s success hinges on several factors: primarily, a stable and lasting ceasefire. Without that, reconstruction efforts will be constantly hampered.

Key Phases of the Reconstruction Plan

Archyde News Editor: The plan outlines three distinct phases: rubble clearing,housing and utilities rebuilding,and infrastructure development including an airport and seaports.Which phase do you foresee being the most challenging and why?

Dr. Amina Khoury: The first phase, clearing the immense amount of rubble and unexploded ordnance, will be extremely tough and time-consuming. It requires significant resources, specialized equipment, and, crucially, extensive demining efforts. Moreover, this initial phase must be implemented with utmost sensitivity to potential remains and cultural heritage sites buried beneath the debris.

The Displacement Crisis and Housing Solutions

archyde News Editor: The plan includes constructing 200,000 prefabricated housing units and repairing 60,000 homes to house displaced Gazans. How can we ensure that these housing solutions are not only adequate but also contribute to long-term community stability?

Dr. Amina Khoury: Community involvement is paramount. We must avoid imposing solutions from above. Rather, engage with local communities to understand their needs and preferences. prefabricated homes can be a rapid solution, but they should be designed with cultural sensitivity and the potential for future expansion in mind. Repairing existing homes is also crucial, ensuring that families can return to their neighborhoods and rebuild their lives in familiar surroundings.

Opposition and Choice Visions

Archyde News Editor: The article mentions significant opposition from both Israeli and US officials regarding the plan. What are your thoughts on President Trump’s proposal to “own” Gaza and relocate its population, and what alternative visions might foster a more constructive path forward?

Dr.Amina Khoury: Any proposal involving forced displacement is simply unacceptable. it disregards international law and the basic human rights of the Palestinian people. A constructive path forward requires a commitment to international law,a focus on empowering the local population,and a willingness from all parties to engage in good-faith negotiations. It’s also essential to address the root causes of the conflict to ensure long-term stability.

Looking Ahead: A Final Thought

Archyde News Editor: Dr. Khoury,what is one crucial element that readers should consider when comprehending the complexities of Gaza’s future and the proposed reconstruction plans?

Dr.Amina Khoury: it’s the human element. Behind the political debates and the billions of dollars, there are millions of people whose lives have been shattered. Understanding their stories, their fears, and their hopes is critical to finding a lasting and just solution. What measures can the international community undertake to effectively prioritize and protect the human rights and dignity of the Gazan population during this period? Readers, we invite you to share your thoughts and insights in the comments below.