Saudi Arabia to host summit on rebuilding Gaza

Saudi Arabia to host a high-level summit that brings together leaders from across the Arab world, as discussions intensify over the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.

Leaders from Egypt, Jordan and the Gulf States are expected in Riyadh on Friday, Arab diplomatic circles said.

The summit would focus on Egypt’s proposal to rebuild the devastated territory under the “complete supervision” of Arab countries.

Tensions have risen after a controversial suggestion from former U.S. President Donald Trump to permanently relocate Gaza’s two 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 own reconstruction plan to prevent the U.S. and Israel from pushing forward with Trump’s relocation agenda.

Recent UN estimates suggest that rebuilding Gaza could cost around 53 billion U.S. dollars, with 20 billion U.S. dollars required in the first three years alone.