Israel has condemned Egypt’s $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza, which Arab leaders endorsed at a summit, while Egyptian officials defend its necessity. Internal investigations reveal Shin Bet’s failures to prevent Hamas attacks, prompting calls for accountability within Israel. Egypt plans to present its reconstruction plan to the OIC for broader support, contrasting earlier proposals that sought to displace Palestinians.
Israel has criticized Egypt’s proposed reconstruction plan for Gaza, which is valued at $53 billion and was endorsed by Arab leaders during the Arab League summit in Cairo. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty defended the plan, labeling Israel’s objections as “unacceptable” and characterizing the Netanyahu government’s stance as “stubborn and extremist”. Abdelatty emphasized that peace in the region is unattainable without an independent Palestinian state, warning that no single nation should impose its will internationally.
In light of recent attacks led by Hamas, Israel’s internal security agency, Shin Bet, acknowledged its failures in preventing these assaults. Ronen Bar, the chief of Shin Bet, admitted the agency overlooked multiple signs of impending attacks, which they once believed Hamas would avoid. He stated, “If Israel’s top domestic security agency had acted differently in the years preceding the attack… the massacre would have been prevented,” indicating a profound sense of accountability for the consequences.
As both Shin Bet and the Israeli military released investigations regarding the inability to forecast the Hamas-led attack on October 7, there is mounting pressure from the Israeli opposition and civil society for a comprehensive national inquiry. This call intensifies despite the political establishment’s reluctance to confront the government’s failure during the deadliest day in contemporary Israeli history.
Moreover, Minister Abdelatty has announced that Egypt plans to present its Gaza reconstruction initiative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for endorsement. In a forthcoming meeting set for March 7 in Jeddah, he aims to garner support among the 57 OIC member states, which include all 22 Arab League members. The recent summit highlighted Arab leaders’ agreement to pursue reconstruction without displacing Palestinians, marking a significant contrast to prior proposals by former President Trump.
The article reflects a complex geopolitical situation as Egypt proposes a significant reconstruction plan for Gaza, facing criticism from Israel. The acknowledgment of failures by Israeli intelligence agencies underscores the gravity of security concerns in the region. Moreover, the push for coalition support among Arab and Islamic nations indicates a unified approach to reconstructing Gaza without displacing its people. As such, the dialogues at both local and international levels remain crucial for the future of peace in the region.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
