Arab states, US to continue talks on Egyptian Gaza plan as ‘basis for reconstruction efforts’

CAIRO – 13 March 2025: Arab foreign ministers presented the Arab-adopted Egyptian plan for Gaza reconstruction to the US special envoy to the Middle East in a meeting in Qatar on Wednesday, agreeing to address it in ongoing talks.

The foreign ministers of Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, minister of state at the Emirati foreign ministry, and the secretary-general of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s executive committee all met in Doha with US President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff.

They agreed to continue consultations on the Arab plan for Gaza as “a basis for reconstruction efforts for the Strip.”

Arab leaders on Tuesday endorsed an Egyptian plan for Gaza reconstruction, aimed to provide an alternative to a proposal unveiled by US President Donald Trump to “take over” Gaza and turn it into the “Riviera of the Middle East#Egypt #Africa #MENAhttps://t.co/ZAr3dHft4s

— Egypt Today Magazine (@EgyptTodayMag) March 6, 2025

During the meeting, the Arab ministers emphasized the importance of maintaining the ceasefire in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.

They also stressed the need to launch a genuine effort to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution, ensuring the fulfillment of the Palestinian people's aspirations for freedom and independence.

The ministers reiterated their commitment to ongoing dialogue to promote calm, emphasizing collaboration to consolidate security, stability, and peace in the region by intensifying diplomatic initiatives and coordinating with various regional and international parties.

The Egyptian $53 billion plan for Gaza reconstruction, adopted by Arab leaders on 4 March, has gained global support, including from Europe, providing an alternative to an earlier proposal unveiled by Trump to “take over” Gaza and relocate residents.

The Arab plan spans five years and aims to secure permanent housing for the 2 million residents of Gaza, most of whom have been displaced by the war, while establishing essential services and vital infrastructure, including an airport, without displacing people.

Trump's stance on Palestinian displacement from Gaza is taking a new turn as he stated on Wednesday that “nobody is expelling any Palestinians” during a press conference with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin at the White House.

REPORTER: What about the president's plan to expel Palestinians out of Gaza?

TRUMP: Nobody is expelling any Palestinians. Who are you with?

REPORTER: I'm with Voice of America, sir.

TRUMP: Oh, no wonder. pic.twitter.com/wZJ5A3JQYr

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) March 12, 2025

Egypt expressed appreciation for Trump’s remarks in a foreign ministry statement on Thursday, saying his position “reflects an understanding of the importance of avoiding a worsening humanitarian situation” in Gaza.

Meanwhile, Jordan's Permanent Representative to the Arab League Ambassador Amjad Adaileh confirmed on Wednesday that a delegation of Arab states will be formed to visit the US and western countries to discuss the reconstruction plan.

He noted that the details of the initiative will become clear in the coming weeks, and possibly days.

The Israeli war in Gaza, currently halted by a ceasefire brokered by Egypt, Jordan and the US, has killed more than 48,000 people and displaced around 90 percent of the population, since October 2023.

Moreover, over 60 percent of homes and 65 percent of roads have been devastated with roughly 51 million tons of rubble blanketing the enclave, according to UN estimates.

The US has intensified efforts to secure the release of captives taken by Hamas on 7 October 2023 and still held there.

Last week, the US held unprecedented direct talks with Hamas, representing a significant departure from the US longstanding policy of avoiding direct engagement with the movement.

US President Donald Trump's captive envoy, Adam Boehler, who is in charge of negotiating with Hamas described the talks as “very helpful,” stating that a deal can be reached “within weeks.”