In response to the Arab reconstruction plan for Gaza that was agreed upon at the extraordinary summit in Cairo this month, the UK has joined its European allies in endorsing the initiative. The plan seeks to rebuild the Strip in phases without displacing its Palestinian population, a core concern for humanitarian efforts in the region.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, and the UK voiced their support, emphasizing the necessity of a temporary governance structure for Gaza led by a committee of independent experts. This proposal would also include international peacekeepers ensuring security. The statement was unequivocal in asserting that Hamas “must neither govern Gaza nor be a threat to Israel anymore,” with the Palestinian Authority taking on a central role in governance, backed by a structured reform agenda.

The UK’s endorsement of this initiative aligns with its longstanding humanitarian commitments. Since 2009, London has provided over £819 million ($1 billion) in bilateral aid to the West Bank and Gaza. When factoring in its contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the total financial commitment rises to £1.7 billion. This substantial investment reflects Britain’s continued engagement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, focusing on reconstruction and stability rather than military engagement.

While London deepens its involvement in the Arab reconstruction plan, internal voices are calling for a more proactive role in securing Palestinian rights. The Britain Palestine Project-a UK-based charity-has urged the government to elevate its position on the issue, advocating for a more assertive diplomatic........

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