US rejects Arab leaders' $53 billion Gaza reconstruction plan
What's the story
The Trump administration has turned down a $53 billion Gaza reconstruction plan proposed by Arab leaders.
The plan seeks to rebuild the region without displacing its Palestinian inhabitants.
But US President Donald Trump sees a different future for Gaza—one where he turns it into a US-owned "riviera" after expelling Palestinians.
"The current proposal does not address the reality that Gaza is currently uninhabitable and residents cannot humanely live...in debris and unexploded ordnance," National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said.
Power transfer
Arab proposal seeks Hamas's power transfer to interim administration
Hughes reaffirmed Trump's commitment to a Hamas-free reconstruction of Gaza, hoping for future talks aimed at regional peace.
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu also backed Trump's Gaza vision and opposes rule by either Palestinian Authority (PA) or Hamas.
The Arab plan, spearheaded by Egypt, suggests Hamas give up power to an interim administration until a reformed PA can take over.
PA President Mahmoud Abbas has promised to conduct general elections in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem if conditions allow.
Regional support
Arab proposal's regional support uncertain, key Gulf nations absent
The Arab proposal also includes clearing unexploded ordnance and rubble from Israeli bombardments, with plans to develop shopping malls, an international convention center, and an airport within five years.
However, how much regional support it has remains unclear, as key Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were absent from the emergency summit in the Egyptian capital, Cairo.
Hamas has rejected calls for disarmament but shown willingness to discuss demilitarization as part of a peace process.
Ceasefire status
Current ceasefire in Gaza remains uncertain
"We look forward to an effective Arab role that ends the humanitarian tragedy created by the occupation in the Gaza Strip...and thwarts the [Israeli] occupation's plans to displace [Palestinians]," the group said.
The current ceasefire in Gaza remains uncertain after its first phase expired.
Israel has blocked essential supplies to pressure Hamas into accepting an agreement, a move criticized by human rights groups as a violation of international law.
The $53 billion proposal calls for rebuilding Gaza by 2030.