CAIRO: Saudi Arabia was set to host a high-level summit on Friday to discuss the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, German News Agency (dpa) reported.
Leaders from Egypt, Jordan, and the Gulf States are expected to be in Riyadh for the meeting.
The summit will focus on Egypt’s proposal to rebuild the devastated territory under the “complete supervision” of Arab countries.
Tensions have been rising after a controversial suggestion from United States (US) President Donald Trump to permanently relocate Gaza’s 2 million residents to neighbouring Arab states.
The proposal has been firmly rejected by Egypt, Jordan and other regional powers, who view it as a violation of Palestinian sovereignty.
In response, Egypt is advancing its reconstruction plan to prevent the US and Israel from pushing forward with Trump’s relocation agenda.
Many questions remain unanswered when discussing the future of Gaza, including, above all, who should control the area in future and be responsible for security.
Israel denies both a continuation of rule by the Palestinian organisation Hamas and control by the Palestinian Authority.
Recent United Nations (UN) estimates suggest that rebuilding Gaza could cost around US$53 billion, with US$20 billion required in the first three years alone. – BERNAMA-DPA
