UPDATE - US Middle East envoy calls Arab summit's 5-year Gaza reconstruction plan 'a delusion'

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​​​​​​​By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff dismissed a five-year $53 billion plan to rebuild the Gaza Strip unveiled by Egypt at an emergency Arab League summit as “delusional.”

Witkoff emphasized Thursday to reporters at the White House the challenges of reconstruction in “a really dangerous environment” for residents.

“The deal presumed it would take five years to reconstruct Gaza,” he said. “The Saudis, when they talked about normalization, were working on a five-year program. Gazans thinking about coming back thought they would return to their homes in five years, and I simply am saying that’s a delusion.”

The plan, which was proposed earlier this week, does not displace Palestinian residents.

Witkoff highlighted the risks posed by unexploded munitions and other hazards, stressing the need for careful planning.

“We understand what the conditions are, and we’re going to make proper decisions, master planning...for every stakeholder’s benefit,” he said.

While acknowledging the proposal as a “good faith first step,” he called for more discussions based on the "realities" on the ground.

The comments came as US President Donald Trump has proposed controversial plans for Gaza, including turning it into a tourist destination and displacing Palestinians to neighboring countries. Critics have labeled the plan as a blueprint for ethnic cleansing.

Israel’s war on Gaza, which began in October 2023, has killed more than 48,000 Palestinians and left much of the territory in ruins.

A temporary ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange deal is currently in effect, but long-term reconstruction remains a contentious issue, with conflicting visions for Gaza’s future.

- Witkoff calls Hamas to act 'responsibly' on hostage issue

Witkoff called on the Palestinian group Hamas to act “responsibly and reasonably” in negotiations over hostages held in Gaza.

He expressed frustration with the group’s alleged lack of cooperation.

“We feel that Hamas has not been forthright with us, and it’s time for them to be forthright,” he said.

Emphasizing the US’s role as a guarantor of the process, he warned that failure to comply could lead to action, potentially in coordination with Israel.

“The Israelis control Gaza today, and the counterparty is Hamas. Any action principally comes from the Israelis, but...with very strong physical and emotional support from the United States,” he said.

Asked about a timeline of such an action, Witkoff said he is "not at liberty to discuss” it.

The release of the hostages is a key issue in ongoing ceasefire negotiations.

US hostage affairs envoy Adam Boehler reportedly met with officials from Hamas in the Qatari capital Doha, where discussions were held to explore positions on a deal for the release of Israeli prisoners who hold American citizenship.