Jeddah: The Emergency Ministerial meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation has adopted the Arab plan for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, urging the international community and regional and international funding institutions to support the initiative. The plan, prepared by Egypt, was discussed during the meeting hosted in the Saudi city of Jeddah, which saw participation from officials and foreign ministers of the organization’s member states. The meeting aimed to address the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people and discuss plans for annexation and displacement from their land.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the meeting concluded with a resolution that adopted the outcomes of the Arab Summit and the Gaza Reconstruction Plan. The resolution called for swift support from international and regional funding bodies to facilitate the plan’s execution. It also highlighted the necessity of launching a political consensus path to secure a permanent and just solution, fulfilling the Palestinian people’s aspirations for statehood.
The emergency Arab Summit on Palestine, previously held in Cairo, emphasized the priority of implementing a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, pushing towards a permanent cessation of aggression and an Israeli withdrawal from the Strip. Egypt’s proposed plan aims to rebuild Gaza over five years, costing 53 billion dollars, without displacing Palestinians. However, the plan faces opposition from Israel and the United States, who prefer the plan proposed by US President Donald Trump.
In his address, Hussein Taha, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, reaffirmed support for the reconstruction plan, emphasizing the Palestinian people’s right to remain on their land. He described the plan as a shared vision requiring financial and political backing to advance a two-state solution, while warning against Israeli actions that threaten Palestinian refugees’ rights and territorial integrity.
Taha highlighted challenges such as Israel’s attempts to alter the geographical and demographic landscape of Palestinian territories, efforts to Judaize Al-Quds, and violations of its holy sites. He urged for sustained efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, withdrawal of occupation forces, provision of humanitarian aid, and facilitating the return of displaced Palestinians.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aati, in his speech, stressed the importance of solidarity to counter attempts to undermine the Palestinian cause. He mentioned an agreement with the Palestinians to form an independent committee to manage Gaza temporarily, paving the way for the Palestinian Authority’s return. He noted Egypt’s role in training Palestinian police for deployment in Gaza.
Despite the adoption of the Arab plan, the US State Department has expressed dissatisfaction, indicating a divergence with the Trump administration’s vision for Gaza’s future.