The question of “the day after in Gaza” remains the greatest challenge—not only in rebuilding the war-ravaged territory but also in reviving the long-stalled peace process since the Oslo Accords. It is vital to differentiate between the legitimate right of resistance against occupation and the actions of Hamas, which has committed grave mistakes—not just against the Palestinian people but against the future of the Palestinian cause itself.
Over the past two decades, Gaza has suffered destruction more than three times due to Hamas’s misguided ambitions. Each time, reconstruction has required billions of dollars, largely funded by Gulf and Arab nations. This time, however, the devastation is unprecedented: nearly 60,000 people have been killed, over 120,000 wounded, and more than 90% of Gaza’s infrastructure has been reduced to rubble. A United Nations report estimates that rebuilding will cost $60 billion.
At the recent Arab Summit in Cairo, Egypt proposed a reconstruction plan that avoids the displacement of Gaza’s residents. This is a direct response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s earlier proposal to relocate Palestinians in exchange for transforming Gaza into a “Riviera.” Recently, Trump shared an AI-generated video on his social media, portraying Gaza as a luxury destination for the wealthy—complete with golden statues of himself and a scene of him strolling the coastline with the Israeli Prime Minister. While the video’s origins remain unclear, it has sparked outrage among Palestinians in Gaza and Arab and Muslim communities in the U.S.
Egypt’s plan is anchored in a critical principle: “Gaza cannot be rebuilt while Hamas remains in power.” This is the condition set by the financial backers of the reconstruction process, who cite their painful experiences over the past two decades. The plan’s supporters insist that any future political framework must have international legitimacy and be coordinated directly with the Palestinian Authority (PA)—effectively sidelining Hamas from both political and administrative control in Gaza.
The October 7 war has led to a sobering realization: Hamas is no longer just a burden on Palestinians but on the entire region. Any effort to rebuild Gaza must ensure that another cycle of destruction does not follow. This means Hamas must be removed from power—either politically or militarily—while upholding the legitimate right to resistance in a form that does not lead to devastation. However, translating this vision into reality is far more complex. Hamas is not merely a political entity—it retains significant military power in Gaza. That said, the group now acknowledges its weakened position, even among its closest allies.
This shift was evident when, just minutes after the Arab Summit concluded, Hamas announced its support for the reconstruction plan and the call for Palestinian elections. A breakthrough emerged in Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s speech, in which he removed key obstacles to elections by granting a general amnesty to dismissed movement members, including Mohammed Dahlan, a strong presidential contender. The PA also announced plans to restructure its leadership, revitalize Fatah, reform government institutions, and convene the Palestinian Central Council.
Egypt’s plan seeks to address the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, clear the ruins of 16 months of relentless Israeli airstrikes, and lay the groundwork for long-term stability. Cairo is considering practical reconstruction strategies, including selecting companies for rebuilding efforts, integrating solar energy solutions, and recycling vast amounts of debris—after clearing unexploded ordnance and recovering thousands of bodies still trapped under the rubble, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health.
These efforts are intertwined with political reforms within the PA, which are essential for securing international donor support—including funding from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Discussions are also underway about forming a temporary Palestinian administration of 15 to 20 technocrats unaffiliated with any political faction, alongside an oversight body to ensure the transparent use of tens of billions of dollars. The plan also accounts for the roles of international organizations, such as the UN, and key global actors, including the United States, Russia, and China.
For Egyptian policymakers, Gaza’s reconstruction must be part of a broader peace framework—one that addresses security concerns on both sides and guarantees that Gaza and the West Bank are not reoccupied, nor their residents forcibly displaced.
As always, Egypt carries the heaviest burden, balancing humanitarian efforts with political strategy. Cairo remains unwavering in its “red line”: mass Palestinian displacement into Egypt is entirely unacceptable. Beyond its humanitarian impact, such a scenario would dismantle the Palestinian cause itself, undermining its core foundation—the Palestinian people’s right to their land.
Dr. Hatem Sadek, Professor at Helwan University
