Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi called on Arab leaders to support Egypt’s ambitious plan to rebuild Gaza during an emergency Arab Summit held in Cairo on Tuesday.

The initiative, aimed at reconstructing Palestinian communities while preventing their displacement, was presented amid Israel’s ongoing military offensive and growing concerns over forced depopulation in the enclave.

In a powerful address, Al-Sisi denounced the war on Gaza as “a stain on humanity,” accusing Israel of seeking to obliterate the means of survival and empty the territory of its people. He lauded the resilience of Palestinians, framing their resistance as a struggle for justice and existence. Al-Sisi outlined Egypt’s diplomatic efforts, in collaboration with Qatar and Palestinian leaders, to secure a ceasefire and establish a committee of independent Palestinian figures to govern Gaza post-conflict. He also revealed that Egypt has begun training Palestinian security forces to take charge of the Strip’s security.

The Egyptian leader proposed a special reconstruction fund, to be managed by Egypt until the Palestinian Authority (PA) assumes full control, and urged Arab nations to contribute. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas endorsed the plan, pledging the PA’s readiness to govern Gaza under a unified security framework. Jordan’s King Abdullah II echoed the call, rejecting forced displacement and stressing the need for a clear reconstruction timeline. He condemned Israel’s aid restrictions as a breach of international law and reaffirmed Jordan’s commitment to safeguarding Jerusalem’s holy sites, insisting that a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as Palestine’s capital is the only path forward.

The proposal garnered international backing. UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised the Arab League’s efforts, emphasizing that Gaza must remain part of a future Palestinian state. He called for an immediate de-escalation, an end to Israeli settlement growth, and a shared Jerusalem capital, warning, “There is no justice without accountability, and no sustainable reconstruction without a clear political horizon.” European Council President António Costa also voiced Europe’s support, rejecting demographic changes in Gaza and reaffirming the EU’s commitment to UNRWA and a two-state solution. “The international community must offer Palestinians a glimmer of hope,” Costa said.

Al-Sisi closed the summit with a plea for unity, urging Arab and global partners to rally behind Egypt’s initiative. “There is no peace without justice, and no solution imposed by force,” he declared, positioning the reconstruction plan as a cornerstone for a lasting resolution rooted in the creation of a Palestinian state. (ILKHA)