Israel’s renewed military strikes on Gaza have cast doubt on efforts to secure international support for the Arab-Islamic reconstruction plan.
Observers and experts argued that rebuilding Gaza is contingent on advancing to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. They highlighted the roles of Egypt and Qatar in mediation, but acknowledge that Israeli and US support for reconstruction remains uncertain.
Israel launched fresh airstrikes across Gaza on Tuesday, vowing to intensify military action following stalled negotiations with Hamas over hostage releases.
Egypt strongly condemned the attacks, warning they undermine peace efforts. In a joint call, the Egyptian president and the Emir of Kuwait urged the international community to push for an immediate ceasefire, the implementation of a two-state solution, and the establishment of a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders.
Despite the violence, diplomatic efforts to promote the reconstruction plan continued. Dr. Abdel Moneim Said, a member of Egypt’s Shura Council, told Asharq Al-Awsat that negotiations and mediation efforts remain active. He described the plan as a vital step toward Gaza’s recovery and broader regional stability.
Ambassador Mohamed Hegazy of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that while Israel has backed away from the ceasefire agreement, Egypt and Arab nations will continue pushing for peace and rebuilding efforts. Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, he hoped that international pressure could prevent further escalation.
Before Israel’s latest strikes, Egypt had intensified its efforts to rally support for the reconstruction plan. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty engaged in discussions with officials from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Qatar, Palestine, Türkiye, Nigeria, and Indonesia, focusing on implementing the outcomes of the Cairo emergency summit.
Additionally, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry hosted on Monday a meeting with over 100 ambassadors and international organization representatives to discuss rehabilitating Gaza’s healthcare system. Abdelatty stressed that a lasting ceasefire is essential for successful reconstruction. He also announced plans for a reconstruction conference in Cairo to secure funding.
Dr. Ayman Al-Raqab, a Palestinian political scientist at Al-Quds University, identified Israel as the primary obstacle to rebuilding Gaza.
Only the US has the leverage to persuade Israel to agree to a ceasefire, yet Washington has given Tel Aviv the green light to continue its military campaign, he told Asharq Al-Awsat.
“Washington has not taken any concrete steps to support the reconstruction plan,” Al-Raqab said, adding that progress hinges on advancing to the second phase of the ceasefire—something that has yet to be achieved.
Former Egyptian deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Rakha Ahmed Hassan argued that Israel has deliberately obstructed reconstruction efforts, evidenced by its resistance to negotiations on the second phase of the truce. He told Asharq Al-Awsat that renewed strikes could further Israel’s alleged goal of displacing Palestinians, a move Egypt and Arab states firmly oppose.
The US position on Gaza’s reconstruction has been inconsistent. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce recently stated that the proposed agreement “does not meet expectations,” while former US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff praised Egypt’s efforts but refrained from endorsing the plan. He acknowledged it as a “good-faith step”, but called for further discussions.
The Arab-Islamic reconstruction plan proposes a six-month transitional governance committee composed of independent technocrats under the Palestinian Authority’s oversight. The plan includes temporary housing for displaced Gazans at seven designated sites, capable of sheltering over 1.5 million people. The total cost is estimated at $53 billion, with an expected five-year timeline for completion.
