Arab foreign ministers and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff convened in Doha this week to advance a $53 billion reconstruction blueprint for Gaza, signaling rare regional alignment amid ongoing tensions. Representatives from Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, and the Palestine Liberation Organization presented the Arab Summit-approved plan during closed-door talks.
The initiative, finalized during a March Arab League meeting in Cairo, seeks to rebuild critical infrastructure while keeping Gaza's residents in place – a direct counter to past U.S. proposals advocating population relocation. Qatari officials confirmed both parties agreed to treat the plan as a 'foundation' for future coordination.
Ministers stressed the urgency of cementing a permanent ceasefire and reviving two-state solution negotiations. 'Sustainable peace requires addressing root causes through development and political dialogue,' read Qatar's statement, highlighting plans for joint working groups to ensure regional security alignment.
While specifics remain undisclosed, analysts note the scale dwarfs previous Gaza aid packages. The plan'S housing, healthcare, and economic components aim to create 'self-sufficiency through local labor' rather than temporary shelters. This contrasts starkly with Trump-era ideas to resettle Palestinians in neighboring countries.
