The Arab League summit convened on March 4, 2025, at Cairo's Al-Tahrir Palace, as leaders gathered to discuss the urgent issue of reconstructing Gaza following recent hostilities. With the devastation fresh from weeks of conflict, this extraordinary session aimed to create actionable plans for rebuilding efforts without displacing its Palestinian residents.
Egypt has taken the lead, proposing a comprehensive reconstruction plan estimated at $53 billion, which emphasizes emergency relief, infrastructure development, and long-term economic growth. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi articulated the dire situation, stating, "The aggression against Gaza has left a lasting stain on humanity, marked by the dissemination of hatred and injustice." He expressed the need for unity, insisting, "We should not choose between destruction and displacement, but instead focus on rebuilding lives on their own land."
Leaders at the summit were met with strong calls from Palestinian factions and neighboring nations to resist any attempts at forcibly relocating Gaza's population. The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, urged Arab nations to thwart plans reminiscent of U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial proposal to develop Gaza as the "Riviera of the Middle East," which many perceive as undermining Palestinian rights.
During his opening remarks, President Sisi underscored the need for international and regional support, pointing out, "We invite the world to back our initiative to reconstruct Gaza without affecting Palestinians' rights to their homeland." The summit reported unanimous backing for Egypt's plan, aiming to secure financial and logistical resources from international bodies.
Significant discussions revealed shared concerns about escalated violence and the human cost of the conflict, evidenced by over 160,000 Palestinian casualties and thousands of missing persons resulting from the conflict unleashed since October 2023. Many delegates echoed President Sisi's assertion, remarking on the urgent necessity for collective efforts to mitigate the humanitarian crisis.
Notably, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declared plans for upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections, indicating potential shifts in leadership should conditions allow for them within the next year. "If circumstances permit, I assure you of fair elections, adding structure and legitimacy to our governance during this turbulent period," Abbas commented, signaling possible political rejuvenation among Palestinian leadership.
The summit's proceedings extended behind closed doors as leaders delved deep to explore the intricacies of Egypt's proposal, which calls for establishing independent oversight bodies to aid reconstruction and provide security within Gaza. El-Sisi highlighted Egypt's commitment to training local Palestinian security forces, stressing the plan aims not only to rebuild infrastructure but also to restore hope for Palestinian autonomy and self-management.
Prominent leaders present included Sudanese transitional leader Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, who reaffirmed Sudan's support for the Egyptian-led initiative. He stated, "Our common goal is the unyielding support for the Palestinian people's right to exist and prosper on their land, free from the specter of displacement. We must continue advocating for peace and stability."
The absence of some key leaders, such as Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Tunisian President Kais Saied, drew attention as their representatives voiced dissent on the grounds of perceived bias. Their delegations underscored the need for inclusive dialogue, calling for concerted efforts to avoid monopolizing negotiations solely among select Arab nations.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also weighed in positively on Egypt's initiative, affirming, "The UN stands ready to cooperate with Arab states to actualize this ambitious initiative for Gaza’s future, enhancing humanitarian aid efforts, and ensuring rebuilding measures are sustainable." The international community's involvement remains pivotal as both immediate and long-term reconstruction plans proceed.
Conversations during the summit encompassed the importance of steadfast allied relations among Arab nations toward shared security goals and the preservation of Palestinian rights. Amidst varying political perspectives, leaders acknowledged how the deteriorated situation in Gaza affects not only its inhabitants but the broader geopolitical stability of the region.
Palestinian leadership persistently emphasizes the urgency of halting the bloodshed and supporting those trapped within Gaza. Hamas reiterated calls for Arab leaders to safeguard the rights of Palestinian civilians, encouraging regional collaboration to provide humanitarian relief and prevent forced displacements from their homes.
Leaders are expected to finalize commitments and provide concrete steps necessary to back the Egyptian-led reconstruction proposals. The summit concluded with hope for constructive dialogue and diplomatic engagement to pave the way forward without infringing on Palestinian sovereignty.