Israel slams Egypt’s Gaza plan, Hamas welcomes call for elections

By Staff Reporter
Arab leaders unanimously agree on a five-year $53bn plan to rebuild Gaza without displacing Palestinians, to counter US President Donald Trump’s proposal to “take over” the coastal enclave.
Israel, which is maintaining a blockade on all food, medicine and aid into Gaza, slams the proposal, while the White House says Trump stands by his vision for the Strip.
Hamas says it appreciates the Arab proposal and welcomes calls to hold legislative and presidential elections as soon as possible.
Gaza’s Health Ministry has confirmed 48,388 Palestinian deaths in Israel’s war on Gaza while 111,803 people have been wounded. The Government Media Office updated its death toll to at least 61,709, saying thousands of Palestinians missing under the rubble are presumed dead. At least 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks and more than 200 were taken captive.