European foreign ministers back Arab-led $53 billion Gaza reconstruction plan
Buildings lie in ruin, following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, January 21, 2025. REUTERS/Dawoud Abu Alkas
Foreign ministers from France, Germany, Italy, and Britain have expressed their support for an Arab-backed $53 billion Gaza reconstruction plan, which aims to avoid the displacement of Palestinians and swiftly improve conditions in the war-torn enclave.
In a joint statement released on Saturday, the ministers praised the proposal as a “realistic path to the reconstruction of Gaza”, emphasizing that its implementation could bring about “swift and sustainable improvements” for Palestinian civilians.
The plan, developed by Egypt and adopted by Arab leaders on Tuesday, outlines a temporary governance structure for Gaza, managed by independent Palestinian technocrats under the supervision of the Palestinian Authority (PA).
The committee would be responsible for overseeing humanitarian aid and managing the Strip’s affairs until a long-term political solution is established.
Despite backing from European and Arab nations, Israel and former U.S. President Donald Trump have rejected the proposal. Trump instead put forward his own vision of turning Gaza into a “Middle East Riviera”, a concept that has drawn criticism from Palestinian leaders and humanitarian groups.
The European ministers’ statement also stressed that Hamas should neither govern Gaza nor pose a threat to Israel.
They reaffirmed their support for the Palestinian Authority as the legitimate governing body, calling for reforms within the PA to strengthen its ability to lead the Palestinian territories.
The four European nations pledged to work with Arab states in advancing the reconstruction effort, recognizing the initiative as an “important signal” from Arab leaders.
