European leaders are throwing their support behind a $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza, which was previously dismissed by both the US and Israel. The plan, backed by Arab nations and drafted by Egypt, was adopted at an emergency summit on Tuesday.  

The foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, and the UK issued a joint statement on Saturday, endorsing the initiative.

“The plan shows a realistic path to the reconstruction of Gaza and promises—if implemented—swift and sustainable improvement of the catastrophic living conditions for the Palestinians living in Gaza,” the statement read, according to Politico.

The ministers emphasized that recovery efforts must be built on a “solid political and security framework acceptable to both Israelis and Palestinians, which provides long-term peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians alike.”  

The coalition of European nations also voiced explicit support for the Palestinian Authority (PA) playing a leading role in post-war Gaza and stressed the need for Hamas to be removed from power.  

“We are clear that Hamas must neither govern Gaza nor be a threat to Israel any more,” the statement added.  

Under the plan, a temporary committee would be established to manage aid and oversee Gaza’s affairs under the PA’s supervision. However, both Israel and President Trump have rejected the proposal, saying it does not address the current realities on the ground.  

Trump has advocated for relocating Palestinians outside Gaza and envisions turning the territory into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”  

“Residents cannot humanely live in a territory covered in debris and unexploded ordnance,” Brian Hughes, a spokesperson for Trump’s National Security Council, said earlier this week. “President Trump stands by his vision to rebuild Gaza free from Hamas." 

Meanwhile, Iran has also rejected the plan, as it only supports a one-state solution for Palestine, rather than the proposed two-state framework that would include Israel.