Arab leaders have rejected President Donald Trump’s proposed “Middle East Riviera” vision for Gaza and instead adopted a $53 billion reconstruction plan, which does not involve resettling Palestinians.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi announced that the $85 billion proposal was accepted at the conclusion of a summit in Cairo.
The plan provides for an administrative committee of independent, professional Palestinian technocrats to temporarily govern Gaza, in preparation for the eventual return of the Palestinian Authority (PA) to the Strip.
The “Middle East Riviera” plan, which was revealed by President Trump in a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in February, involves the forced displacement of the Palestinian population.
Trump proposed that Egypt and Jordan absorb the displaced Palestinians, while the United States would own the seaside territory. He also made it clear that the relocation would be permanent, with no right of return for the Palestinians.
In a statement, Hamas expressed support for the Arab leaders’ recent decision.
“We welcome the Gaza reconstruction plan adopted in the summit’s final statement and call for ensuring all necessary resources for its success,” the Palestinian terror group said in a statement.
The group also expressed its support for the “formation of the Community Support Committee to oversee relief efforts, reconstruction, and governance in Gaza.”
Israel’s Foreign Ministry, however, rejected the plan, arguing that it ignores the realities of post-October 7 events and fails to mention Hamas or its attack on Israel.
The ministry accused Arab states of relying on the PA and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), institutions it claims have a history of corruption, support for terrorism, and failure to resolve the conflict.
“For 77 years, Arab states have used Palestinians as pawns against Israel, condemning them to perpetual ‘refugee’ status,” the ministry added.
The ministry stated that President Trump’s plan for Gaza “should be encouraged,” emphasizing that it would provide “an opportunity for Gazans to make their own choices based on their free will.”
“Hamas’s attack on Israel has destabilized all of the region. Its terror regime in Gaza prevents any chance of security for Israel and its neighbors. Therefore, for the sake of peace and stability, Hamas can’t be left in power,” the ministry added.
