US and Israel’s Gaza Plan Faces Rejection

Source: The post US and Israel’s Gaza Plan Faces Rejection has been created, based on the article “There is a crisis of leadership in the Middle East” published in “Indian Express” on 8th March 2025. US and Israel’s Gaza Plan Faces Rejection

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations

Context: The article discusses US and Israeli plans for Gaza, including relocating Palestinians, which were rejected by Arab countries. Egypt proposed a reconstruction plan for Gaza, but both the US and Israel dismissed it, escalating tensions in the region.

For detailed information on Arab League proposes Cairo Declaration for Gaza read this article here

What was the US and Israel’s proposal for Gaza?

1. US President Donald Trump proposed relocating Palestinians from Gaza, claiming they could not live amidst war debris.
2. Trump suggested transforming Gaza into a “riviera” that would be taken over by the US.
3. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu supported the proposal, emphasizing preparations for a post-Hamas phase.
4. The proposal was widely criticized by the global community and rejected by Palestinians and Arab countries like Egypt and Jordan.
5. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that the plan aimed to encourage countries with resources to rebuild Gaza but denied intentions to deploy US troops.
6. Israel rejected the Arab reconstruction plan, arguing it relied too much on the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA.

How did the Arab world respond to the US proposal?

1. Rejection of Relocation: Egypt and Jordan strongly rejected Trump’s proposal, insisting Palestinians would stay on their land without forced deportations.
2. Saudi Leadership: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman hosted seven Arab leaders in Riyadh to emphasize Arab unity against the proposal.
3. Egypt’s Reconstruction Plan: Egypt proposed a $53 billion plan for Gaza’s reconstruction, focusing on de-mining, infrastructure, and governance by the Palestinian Authority, supported by Arab leaders and Hamas.
4. Criticism of Jordan’s Offer: The King of Jordan’s offer to host 2,000 sick Palestinian children faced criticism from other Arab countries.
5. Mediation Efforts: Egyptian and Qatari mediators found Hamas dissatisfied with Israel’s delays in prisoner releases and blockade of international relief, highlighting mistrust.

What was Egypt’s plan for Gaza’s reconstruction?

1. Egypt proposed a $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza, divided into three phases until 2030.
2. The first phase would clear mines and debris, providing temporary shelters.
3. The second phase would build infrastructure and housing.
4. The final phase would focus on industrial development and transferring control to the Palestinian Authority.
5. The plan also suggested replacing Hamas’s control with independent Palestinian experts, using a World Bank-managed trust fund, and deploying international peacekeepers.
6. Arab leaders, Hamas, and the Palestinian Authority supported this plan, but the US and Israel rejected it.

What challenges does the Israel-Palestine conflict face?

1. The conflict is deeply rooted, with Israel seeking security and Palestinians fighting to retain their land.
2. Displacement in Gaza and the West Bank fuels Arab resistance.
3. The lack of trust between Israel and Palestine, the influence of militant groups, and the expansion of Israeli settlements complicate peace efforts.
4. There is need for a two-state solution, as outlined in the Oslo Accords, to achieve lasting peace and security for both sides.

What are the prospects for peace in the region?

1. Achieving peace requires trust-building measures, addressing humanitarian costs, and ensuring the return of hostages and prisoners.
2. The Palestinian Authority, led by Fatah, must restore credibility and governance.
3. Israel’s security concerns and the need for stable governance in Gaza remain key issues.
4. Only a balanced, compromise-based approach, ensuring coexistence, can end the conflict.

Question for practice:

Examine the reasons behind the rejection of the US and Israel’s proposal for Gaza by Arab countries.