Arab leaders gathered in Riyadh on Friday to develop a strategy for the reconstruction of Gaza following the ongoing conflict, as a counter to U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to take over the territory and relocate its Palestinian population.
Trump’s plan has drawn widespread opposition from Arab nations, though internal disagreements persist regarding who should govern Gaza and how reconstruction efforts should be funded.
The meeting included the leaders of Gulf Arab nations, Egypt, and Jordan, with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in attendance. While the discussions were confidential, a Saudi source confirmed the meeting concluded without a final statement. The official Saudi Press Agency noted that the session focused on regional issues, particularly efforts to support Palestine and address Gaza's situation.
Trump’s controversial proposal to move Gaza’s over two million residents to Egypt and Jordan has sparked international outrage, with concerns that such moves could alter the dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict irreversibly. The Arab leaders are seeking an alternative reconstruction plan, with Egypt set to present a detailed proposal in the near future.
A major challenge to the plan is how to secure financing for Gaza’s reconstruction, which is estimated to cost more than $53 billion after over a year of war. The leaders are expected to formalize a common position on the matter at an Arab League summit scheduled for March 4 in Egypt.
