OSLO (CHATNEWSTV) — Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide on Wednesday called for broad international support for an Arab-led plan to rebuild war-torn Gaza, emphasizing Palestinian ownership in the reconstruction process.
“I welcome the agreement among Arab countries on a joint plan for the reconstruction of Gaza,” Eide said. “The plan clearly states that Palestinian ownership must be a guiding principle in reconstruction efforts and that the Palestinians’ right to remain on their own land must be upheld.”
The proposal, unveiled during an extraordinary Arab summit in Cairo on Tuesday, seeks to unify efforts toward Palestinian statehood while ensuring long-term stability in the region. Arab leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a two-state solution, stating it was the only viable path to peace.
“Addressing the immense needs will require a large-scale, collective effort, including contributions from countries in the region,” Eide said. “The mobilization of sufficient resources depends on donors’ confidence in a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
Norway, a key player in the international donor group for Palestine, supports the Arab-backed initiative, which includes forming a Palestinian administrative committee for Gaza to spearhead reconstruction efforts. Eide said Norway would provide both humanitarian aid and long-term development assistance, working alongside the EU, Saudi Arabia, and regional partners to reinforce Palestinian governance structures.
“We will contribute to strengthening Palestinian institutions and advancing the implementation of the Palestinian state,” he said. “Both essential services and governance structures must be integrated across Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.”
Arab leaders said their plan hinges on a ceasefire agreement being upheld and a clear governance and security framework being established. The final summit communiqué stressed that a two-state solution remains the only way to guarantee security for both Palestinians and Israelis.
