Perhaps most crucially, for Gaza’s residents, the crux of the matter is not just about the process of rebuilding; rather, it is about ensuring that the lives they rebuild are not again torn apart by another Israeli attack and forced displacement. [Getty]
As Egypt unveils its ambitious reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip, Palestinians in the besieged coastal enclave view the Egyptian plan with mixed feelings, ranging from cautious optimism to deep scepticism.
The Egyptian plan, crafted in the face of intense political, economic, and humanitarian challenges, aims to restore Gaza’s devastated infrastructure, protect Palestinian sovereignty, and, perhaps most critically, prevent the displacement of Palestinians as an issue exacerbated by the controversial ‘ethnic cleansing’ proposals from US President Donald Trump.
Yet, as the plan begins to take shape, many Palestinians in Gaza question whether it’s a genuine opportunity to rebuild their lives or just another false promise in a long line of them that have failed to materialise.
Egypt’s reconstruction blueprint, crafted in consultation with key Arab nations, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, outlines a three-phase process over five years, according to the Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram.
The Egyptian plan will start with creating “safe zones” within Gaza, designed to house displaced Palestinians during the reconstruction phase temporarily. It also calls for an international fundraising campaign, with the participation of both Egyptian and foreign companies, to spearhead the rebuilding of Gaza’s infrastructure, which estimates say will be more than $50 billion.
From hope to despair
For many in Gaza, the mere prospect of rebuilding is tantalising. Samih Abu Shaaban, a Palestinian man in the Strip, remarked to The New Arab, “We’ve lost everything. Homes, businesses, schools and everything.”
“The Egyptian plan offers a glimmer of hope, but we need more than promises. We need action. If they really want to help, they must ensure we stay here, on our land,” the 48-year-old father of eight added.
In November 2023, the Israeli army attacked Abu Shaaban’s house and forced him to be displaced several times.
“For 15 months, we have lived in hell, but we tried to survive just to save our children. However, when the war stopped, we found nothing. Only the destruction and death left by the Israeli army,” he said. “I hope that such a plan would protect us, our children, life and even our land from the American and Israeli colonial ambitions.”
Despite the cautious optimism, the plan does raise a series of questions for Palestinians in Gaza, who wonder if it’s truly serious or just a political manoeuvre.
“How many times have we heard the word reconstruction before, only for it to fizzle out? We have had enough of empty promises,” said Hana Ayoub, a 55-year-old mother of three living in Gaza City, to TNA.
“I want to believe that Egypt is serious about this, but I’m sceptical until I see real, tangible results,” she said.
Ayoub lived in her house in the eastern part of Jabalia refugee camp, north of Gaza. Several times, the Israeli army attacked her home in 2008, 2012 and 2014.
“Every time, I struggled to get compensation to rebuild my house […] until now, I have not received my compensation of 2014 which forced me to rebuild it by my own money,” she remarked.
During the current Israeli genocidal war, the army attacked Hana’s house once again. She felt that she would not get her turn of rebuilding soon.
“This time, the situation is not easy. I believe that the Palestinians, mainly in Gaza, must pay a political price to reconstruct their houses, which means that it may take long years,” she opined.
Is the Egyptian plan viable?
The Egypt’s reconstruction plan hinges on multiple factors, from securing international funding to navigating the deeply entrenched political and security dynamics in Gaza.
The plan calls for extensive cooperation between Egypt, international donors, and local stakeholders, yet many are sceptical about its ability to overcome the hurdles that have plagued previous efforts in the past.
“The biggest problem is not just about rebuilding homes and roads,” said Hamad al-Huwaiti, a 35-year-old shopkeeper from Gaza. “It’s the political situation. If we do not have peace and stability, how can we rebuild? How can people trust this plan when we have seen wars and blockades for years?”
Indeed, Israel’s demand that Hamas be removed from any governing role in Gaza and for the disarmament of militant groups could prove insurmountable.
Moreover, the internal divisions between Hamas and the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority further complicates the situation as Egypt tries to broker a compromise between these rival factions.
Nadia Snono, a teacher based in Gaza, expressed this concern. “How can we trust a plan that does not address the root causes of our suffering? The internal fighting, the occupation, and the blockade are all interconnected,” she remarked. “Rebuilding Gaza requires more than just bricks and mortar; it requires political change.”
Perhaps most crucially, for Gaza’s residents, the crux of the matter is not just about the process of rebuilding; rather, it is about ensuring that the lives they rebuild are not again torn apart by another Israeli attack and forced displacement.
Mohammed Al-Shatli, a 42-year-old father of four from Gaza City, summed up the sentiment shared by many.
“Rebuilding Gaza is important, but peace is what we really need. We have been through so many wars. We need to know that this time, things will be different. I don’t want to rebuild my home just for it to be destroyed again,” he said to TNA.
Similarly, Emad Al-Dahdouh, a 35-year-old father of three, told TNA, “I do not want just walls rebuilt; I want my life to be secure. I want my children to grow up without fear.”
In December 2023, the Israeli army attacked al-Dahdouh’s house and killed five of his children.
“If Egypt can bring us that, then it is worth supporting. But if it is just another plan to keep us stuck in this cycle, then it is no use,” he added.
