The Cairo Declaration, Egypt’s alternative to Trump’s Gaza plan, comprehensively outlines a $53-billion Arab-led reconstruction strategy emphasizing Palestinian rights, two-state solution. Rejecting forced displacement, US control, it calls for transitional governance until Palestinian administration resumes. In contrast, Trump’s proposal aimed to evict Palestinians and transform Gaza into a luxury resort.
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An Emergency Summit of the Arab League adopted a $53-billion Egyptian plan for the reconstruction of Gaza as a “comprehensive Arab strategy”.
The Cairo Declaration, adopted at the Emergency Summit of the Arab League in Cairo, Egypt. It presents a comprehensive Arab strategy for the reconstruction of Gaza as the Egyptian alternative to Trump's Gaza plan.
The Cairo Declaration is the first collective Arab proposal for Gaza's "day after", contingent on the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement, especially by Israel.
US President Donald Trump has proposed that the US should "take over" and "own" Gaza to ensure stability.
He proposed moving Gaza's 2.3 million residents to Egypt and Jordan, claiming they would be "better off."
He described Gaza as a potential "Riviera of the Middle East" and emphasized redevelopment opportunities.
He blamed Hamas for making Gaza "dangerous" and "unfair," implying Palestinians cannot govern themselves.
Criticism of the Trump Proposal
Human rights organizations have labeled his proposal as ethnic cleansing. Forcibly relocating civilians violates international law and constitutes a war crime.
Palestinians have a deep historical and cultural connection to Gaza. Removing them would echo the 1948 Nakba, when nearly one million Palestinians were displaced during the creation of Israel.
Experts describe the plan as impractical and "morally unacceptable," given the logistical, financial, and humanitarian challenges of relocating millions of people.
Why is the Trump Proposal impractical?
No authority over Gaza: Gaza is not US territory, and the US has no jurisdiction there.
Mass relocation is impossible: Forcing two million Palestinians to leave their land is logistically unfeasible, especially since most refuse to go.
International law violations: Involuntary deportation or displacement of civilians breaches international humanitarian law.
Neighboring countries reject the plan: Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia have explicitly opposed the idea, and the US cannot force them to comply.
It was founded in Cairo, Egypt, in 1945. This followed the adoption of the Alexandria Protocol in 1944.
It currently has 22 member states, including countries from North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
Each member state has one vote in the League Council. Decisions become binding only on those members that vote in favor.
It has seven observer states: Armenia, Brazil, Chad, Eritrea, Greece, India, and Venezuela.
The plan prioritizes the early recovery and reconstruction of Gaza over three to five years. It includes:
Egypt commits to establishing a trust fund and mobilizing financial, material, and political support from Arab nations and the international community. The total cost is estimated at $53 billion over five years, with $2 billion required for the initial recovery phase.
The declaration proposes a "Gaza administration committee" comprising "qualified Gazans" for a transitional period to function until the Palestinian Authority (PA) can resume unified governance in Gaza and the West Bank, potentially leading to future elections.
The Cairo Declaration reaffirms the commitment to a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state living peacefully alongside Israel.
The declaration firmly rejects any displacement of Palestinians from Gaza and emphasizes the right of Palestinians to remain on their land.
The plan is presented as a unified Arab initiative, with Egypt taking the lead in coordination with Palestine and other Arab states.
Trump's plan expected "taking over" Gaza, evicting Palestinians, and transforming it into a "Riviera of the Middle East" for international residents, building luxury properties.
Trump's plan aims to remove Palestinians from Gaza, while the Egyptian plan centers on rebuilding Gaza for Palestinians.
Trump's plan suggests US ownership or control of Gaza, whereas the Egyptian plan emphasizes Palestinian rights and Arab-led reconstruction efforts.
The Cairo Declaration strongly supports a two-state solution, while Trump's plan is seen as undermining this prospect.
The Egyptian plan seeks broad Arab and international support and funding, while Trump's approach appears unilateral and focused on US interests.
The Cairo Declaration is silent on Hamas's removal, potentially allowing for their continued role, while Trump's stance likely assumes Hamas's removal.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Discuss India’s balancing act between Israel and Palestine in diplomatic relations. 150 words |
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