A bold and ambitious proposal from Egypt could reshape the future of Gaza once the war ends, completely excluding Hamas from governance. A draft of this detailed plan, obtained by CNN, outlines a roadmap for rebuilding the enclave, ensuring stability, and addressing long-standing conflicts. Dubbed “Gaza 2030,” the 91-page document carries the official Egyptian presidential logo and is expected to be a focal point of discussions among Arab leaders in an emergency summit in Cairo. It will also be presented to U.S. President Donald Trump in the coming weeks, according to Jordanian sources.
A Vision for Governance and Security
One of the most striking elements of the plan is its governance framework. Egypt is proposing an independent, technocratic Palestinian committee to temporarily oversee Gaza for a six-month period under the umbrella of the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority (PA). This committee would be composed of individuals with no affiliations to Palestinian factions, ensuring a neutral administration.
To further stabilize the region, Egypt and Jordan would play a crucial role in training Palestinian police forces for deployment in Gaza. The proposal also suggests that the United Nations Security Council consider deploying international peacekeepers in both Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank to protect both Palestinians and Israelis.
While the document acknowledges the difficulty of disarming militants, it suggests that the issue can only be permanently resolved through a "clear horizon and a credible political process."
Rebuilding Gaza: An Economic Vision
Beyond governance, Egypt’s plan lays out an ambitious blueprint for economic revitalization. The vision includes constructing shopping malls, an international convention center, and even an airport within five years. There are also plans to develop tourist resorts to attract visitors to Gaza’s Mediterranean coastline, turning it into an economic hub.
The financial scope of this reconstruction is staggering—Egypt estimates the cost at approximately $53 billion. This includes:
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$3 billion for clearing rubble, unexploded munitions, and building temporary housing.
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$20 billion for the first two years of reconstruction, focusing on utilities and permanent housing.
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$30 billion to develop a seaport, an airport, and industrial zones, setting the stage for long-term economic growth.
The International Debate
The plan was reportedly formulated as a response to Trump's vision, which involved taking ownership of Gaza, expelling its residents to neighboring countries, and transforming it into a Middle Eastern "riviera." However, Egypt’s proposal firmly rejects the displacement of Palestinians, instead calling on the international community to address the "humanitarian catastrophe" in the enclave.
Despite this, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not clarified his stance on Gaza’s post-war future, only stating that he supports Trump's idea of a "different Gaza." He has also indicated that neither the Palestinian Authority nor Hamas should govern the strip.
Tensions remain high, especially as a fragile truce between Israel and Hamas teeters on the edge of collapse. Israel recently blocked humanitarian aid into Gaza, citing Hamas’s refusal to accept an extended ceasefire without conditions. Hamas has fired back, accusing Israel of violating agreements and committing "war crimes" through what it calls "cheap blackmail."
Hamas’s Uncertain Future
Hamas has sent mixed signals regarding its role in Gaza’s future. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri has declared that the group’s weapons are "a red line" and are not negotiable. Meanwhile, another Hamas official, Husam Badran, stated last week that the group is willing to step aside from governance—provided that any new leadership structure remains an internal Palestinian decision, free from external influence.
Adding to the uncertainty, Osama Hamdan, another senior Hamas figure, recently suggested that Hamas may actually expand its influence after the war, rather than stepping back.
The Road Ahead
As Arab leaders gather in Cairo to discuss the plan, the future of Gaza remains uncertain. The proposed governance transition, security measures, and economic revitalization all present opportunities for lasting change—but also significant challenges.
The world will be watching closely as these discussions unfold, waiting to see if this ambitious proposal can pave the way for a more stable and prosperous Gaza. Will international stakeholders support Egypt's vision? Can Hamas and Israel find common ground? And most importantly, will the people of Gaza finally see a future free from conflict?
Only time will tell.
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