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Egypt is advancing a strategy for rebuilding Gaza that focuses on keeping Palestinians in their homeland, countering a controversial proposal from former U.S. President Donald Trump, which suggested relocating Gaza’s population and placing the region under American control.
According to Egypt’s state-run newspaper Al-Ahram, the plan involves setting up “secure areas” within Gaza where displaced residents can initially reside while international and Egyptian construction companies work on restoring the territory’s infrastructure.
Egyptian authorities have been engaging in discussions with European diplomats and regional powers, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, about the proposal. Conversations also include exploring funding options, such as organizing an international conference dedicated to Gaza’s reconstruction, sources familiar with the matter have reported.
The details of the proposal remain under negotiation, and officials have spoken on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions.
This initiative comes in response to global criticism of Trump’s suggestion to depopulate Gaza’s approximately two million residents and transform it into a luxury destination under U.S. oversight—without allowing Palestinians to return.
Palestinians have firmly rejected any relocation, while Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia have dismissed calls to absorb Gaza’s population. Human rights organizations have condemned Trump’s proposal as an act of forced displacement, which constitutes a war crime under international law. European nations have also largely opposed the plan.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed support for the idea, stating that Israel is preparing to move forward with its implementation.
During a recent visit to Saudi Arabia, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that Washington is open to alternative solutions. Discussing on the Clay and Buck Show radio program, Rubio stated, “If Arab nations have a better plan, we’re open to hearing it.”
Al-Ahram reported that Egypt’s counterproposal aims to challenge Trump’s reasoning and prevent any initiatives that could alter Gaza’s demographic and territorial integrity.
