European leaders back $53 billion Arab-led Gaza recovery plan rejected by Israel and Trump

European leaders have expressed strong support for a $53 billion recovery and reconstruction plan for Gaza, an initiative backed by Arab nations and rejected by both the United States and Israel. The proposal, spearheaded by Egypt and adopted by Arab leaders during an emergency summit on March 4, aims to address the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza and promises to improve the living conditions of Palestinians if implemented.

In a joint statement on Saturday, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, and the UK voiced their backing for the plan, calling it a “realistic path” to rebuild Gaza. They emphasized that the plan, if executed, could bring much-needed relief and create sustainable improvements for the residents of the Gaza Strip.

The ministers also underscored the need for a political and security framework that ensures long-term peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians. They further reiterated their support for the Palestinian Authority, stressing that the authority should play a central role in the reconstruction and post-war governance of Gaza.

The plan proposes a temporary committee that would oversee humanitarian aid and the management of Gaza under the Palestinian Authority's supervision, while working to ensure that Hamas no longer governs the territory or poses a threat to Israel.

However, the plan has faced strong opposition from Israel and the Trump administration. Both parties argue that the plan does not fully address the realities on the ground in Gaza. President Trump has advocated for resettling Palestinians outside the territory, claiming that Gaza could be transformed into a resort-like destination. Trump's National Security Council spokesperson, Brian Hughes, stated earlier this week that the current conditions in Gaza—filled with rubble and unexploded ordnance—make it impossible to rebuild under the existing circumstances.

In a separate development, Iran has also rejected the plan. Additionally, Iran-backed Houthi rebels have threatened to resume attacks on Israeli shipping if aid to Gaza is not restored soon, while Hamas has warned that the lives of Israeli hostages could be at risk.

As tensions mount, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out airstrikes in Gaza and Lebanon, targeting Hamas and Hezbollah operatives linked to terror activities. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that it would send a negotiating team to Qatar on Monday to continue talks aimed at extending a cease-fire and securing the release of more hostages held by Hamas.

The ongoing situation has sparked protests in Israel, with demonstrators urging the government to secure a longer cease-fire and extend the deal to save more hostages, fearing that renewed fighting could jeopardize their lives.