US and Israel have rejected an Arab plan for the post-war reconstruction of the Gaza Strip
The US and Israel have rejected an Arab plan for the post-war reconstruction of the Gaza Strip that would allow the 2.1 million Palestinians living there, to stay in place
The proposal, endorsed by Arab leaders at a summit in Cairo, is their alternative to President Donald Trump's idea, 1. for the US to take over Gaza 2. and permanently resettle its population
The Palestinian Authority and Hamas welcomed the Arab plan, which calls for, 1. Gaza to be governed temporarily by a committee of independent experts 2. and for international peacekeepers to be deployed there
But both the White House and Israeli foreign ministry said, 1. it failed to address realities in Gaza 2. and stood by Trump's vision
The summit took place amid growing concern that Gaza's fragile ceasefire deal could collapse after the six-week first phase expired last Saturday
Israel has blocked aid from entering the territory to pressure Hamas to accept a new US proposal for a temporary extension of the truce, during which more hostages held in Gaza would be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners
Hamas has insisted, the second phase should begin as agreed, 1. leading to an end of the war 2. and a full Israeli troop withdrawal
