Egypt Daily News – Steve Witkoff, the U.S. envoy to the Middle East, said that a summit with real estate developers and planners from the Middle East will be held soon to discuss the Trump administration’s plan for the future of Gaza.
Steve Witkoff, the U.S. envoy to the Middle East, said at an event in Washington on Tuesday evening that several countries had reached out to the United States to offer participation in a permanent solution for the residents of Gaza. He added:
“We will hold a summit very soon with the largest developers in the Middle East, many Arab developers, and numerous key planners. I believe that when people see some of the ideas that come out of this, they will be astonished.”
Witkoff, who stated that Trump believes “it is time to find new solutions to the most polarizing conflict in the Middle East,” reiterated that many countries had contacted the U.S. to offer to be part of “some kind of permanent solution” for the residents of the war-torn region.
Trump has proposed that the United States take over and develop Gaza, while relocating its residents to neighboring Arab countries. This proposal has been met with international rejection, with critics likening it to ethnic cleansing and a violation of international law.
Witkoff, who plans to return to the Middle East this week, stated: “We are not talking about an evacuation plan for Gaza’s residents, but it is impractical for them to remain during the 10 to 15 years it may take to properly rebuild Gaza.”
He described Gaza as a “massive slum” devastated by war and emphasized the need for a long-term redevelopment plan.
“By the way, there are many countries that we have spoken with from a humanitarian perspective, and they are actually extending their hand and saying, ‘Look, we would like to be part of some kind of permanent solution for the people of Gaza,’” Witkoff said.
He did not provide further details, including the location of the summit. Earlier, The Wall Street Journal had reported on discussions regarding such a gathering.
This comes as the first phase of the Gaza deal is set to expire next Saturday, with media reports suggesting slim chances of moving into the second phase. Meanwhile, Israel is mobilizing its forces for a return to war.
