The White House has reportedly agreed to the Egyptian plan for Gaza reconstruction, but with a significant condition: Hamas must be removed and fully disarmed. This development comes as the international community continues to seek a lasting solution to the Gaza conflict. According to recent reports, Egypt's plan for Gaza reconstruction involves a comprehensive five-year initiative, projected to cost $53 billion.¹ The plan includes a committee of experts to oversee the clearance of rubble and unexploded ordnance, followed by a four-and-a-half-year reconstruction phase. However, the plan's success hinges on addressing the complex issue of Hamas's future. Israel has expressed concerns about the plan, citing the need for a security-only approach in dealing with Hamas. The US role in the process will be crucial, with some suggesting that a coordinated US-Arab effort could help prepare the ground for peace negotiations between the Palestinian Authority and Israel.
Temporary shelters with space for 26,000 people have been set up as residents of Lebanon's south flee Israeli bombs, Lebanese minister Nasser Yassin has said.
Families have loaded cars, vans and trucks with belongings, gridlocking motorways to the north.
As bombs rained down, children crammed onto parents' laps and suitcases were tied to car roofs.
Some 89 shelters in schools and other facilities have been activated to receive them, said Mr Yassin.