The reconstruction of Gaza, described by U.S. President Donald Trump as a ‘demolition site,’ has become a contentious issue, with Gulf states reportedly left out of critical discussions. Marwan Muasher, former Jordanian foreign minister and current vice president of studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, revealed that Gulf nations were not consulted about their potential role in rebuilding Gaza. This comes after two years of intense conflict between Israel and Palestine, which has left the region in ruins. Muasher emphasized that without a durable political settlement, Gulf states have no interest in contributing to reconstruction efforts. A lasting solution, he argued, must include the recognition of a Palestinian state for the 7.5 million Palestinians living in occupied territories. However, the Trump administration’s pro-Israel stance, influenced by Christian Evangelicals who avoid using the term ‘Palestinian,’ has distanced itself from such recognition. Israel’s Knesset has also rejected the two-state solution, a policy that has underpinned negotiations since the 1990s. Muasher expressed skepticism about the feasibility of reconstruction, noting that past pledges and conferences have yielded little tangible progress. Amr Hamzawy, director of Carnegie’s Middle East programme, highlighted Egypt’s efforts to organize a reconstruction summit for Gaza, but acknowledged the ambiguous political conditions. While a comprehensive reconstruction plan exists, its implementation hinges on political will from Israel and international support. Muasher remains pessimistic about Trump’s ceasefire plan, citing its lack of clarity on key issues like reconstruction and stabilization. However, he remains hopeful about the eventual recognition of Palestinian statehood, asserting that the presence of 7.5 million Palestinians makes it an inevitability, albeit not in the near future.
Gulf states won’t reconstruct Gaza without political settlement, former Jordanian foreign minister says
