The US has rejected an Arab plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, and sticks to the pro-Israeli leader’s own plan of expelling the impoverished enclave’s Palestinian residents and transforming it into an American territory.
Even though the Arab League clearly outlines plans for removing debris and Israeli explosive materials from the enclave before starting reconstruction works, the US claimed no such proposal is present in the $53 billion plan, CNN reported.
“The Arab League proposal does not address the reality that Gaza is currently uninhabitable and residents cannot humanely live in a territory covered in debris and unexploded ordnance,” National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said in a statement Tuesday night.
“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.”
Donald Trump has recently appeared to soften his stance, saying he was "not forcing" the plan, which experts have said could violate international law.
Under the Arab League plan, a new interim management committee, composed of Palestinian technocrats, was aimed at "paving the way for the return of the Palestinian Authority to the Strip".
Hamas said it welcomed the plan and the proposed formation of a temporary committee "to oversee relief efforts, reconstruction and governance".
UN chief Antonio Guterres endorsed the initiative in Cairo to rebuild Gaza, adding the world body was prepared to "fully cooperate".
Veteran Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas, also addressing the summit, said a working committee had been formed to prepare for the PA resuming its role in Gaza.
Israel meanwhile said the Arab leaders' proposal failed "to address the realities" and criticised its reliance on both the PA and the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.
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