As the situation in Gaza remains grim, Arab League leaders are set to meet in Cairo on March 4 for an emergency summit. The goal is to counter U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial plans for Gaza and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s push for renewed war. The meeting, spearheaded by Egypt, aims to present a united Arab stance that protects Palestinian rights and offers a concrete path toward rebuilding Gaza.

Why Is This Summit Happening?
The summit comes in response to Trump’s February 5 remarks about wanting to “take over” Gaza, resettle Palestinians in Egypt and Jordan, and transform the enclave into “the Riviera of the Middle East.” The idea was met with outright rejection from Egypt, which insisted on a plan that prioritizes Palestinian sovereignty. In response, Egypt, Jordan, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states convened in Riyadh on February 21 to draft an agenda for the upcoming summit in Cairo.

What’s Happening in Gaza Right Now?
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening. On Sunday, the second day of Ramadan, Israel blocked all humanitarian aid into the enclave, claiming Hamas violated a U.S.-proposed extension of the ceasefire. This ceasefire, which began on January 19, was meant to unfold in three phases, leading to a full Israeli withdrawal. However, Israel has obstructed negotiations for the second phase, effectively derailing the process. Hamas, in turn, has refused to extend phase one without clear commitments from Israel, calling on the international community to intervene.

What Can We Expect From the Summit?
The Cairo meeting is expected to produce a collective Arab response that –

—Rejects any forced displacement of Palestinians.
—Proposes a reconstruction plan that keeps Palestinians in Gaza.
—Pressures Israel to honor the ceasefire agreement.

So, what is on the table?

The Cairo summit will center around Egypt’s proposed three- to five-year plan for rebuilding Gaza, which is structured into three key phases –

—Early Recovery – Addressing immediate humanitarian needs and stabilizing essential services.

—Rebuilding Utility Infrastructure – Restoring power, water, sanitation, and other critical systems.

—Housing Reconstruction & Political Pathway – Rebuilding homes, restoring public services, and laying the groundwork for a two-state solution.

But there is a huge cost to these goals, one of the biggest hurdles will be funding, a staggering $50 billion is estimated to be needed for Gaza’s reconstruction, according to the United Nations.

With such a heavy price tag, who will foot the bill? While many assume the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries will take the lead in financing, there’s little clarity on how much each nation is willing to contribute.

What Are Countries Expected to Bring to the Table?

Egypt, as the convener of the summit and architect of the reconstruction plan, will likely spearhead the discussions. Cairo has been actively rallying both Arab and international support to ensure its proposal is taken seriously.

Jordan will play a key role, with King Abdullah II strongly opposing Palestinian displacement and backing Egypt’s approach. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi has also warned Israel against escalating tensions in the occupied West Bank, which directly borders Jordan.

Syria is expected to raise concerns over Israeli airstrikes on targets in southern Syria and areas near Damascus, adding another layer to the regional tensions.

The GCC countries—particularly Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar—will be key in securing the financial backing needed to turn Egypt’s plan into reality.

Have Past Arab Summits Made a Difference?

Arab League summits have played symbolic and strategic roles in the Israel-Palestine conflict –

1964: An Arab summit helped establish the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).
1974: Another summit recognized the PLO as the sole representative of the Palestinian people, boosting its diplomatic influence in peace talks.

2002: The Saudi-led summit introduced the Arab Peace Initiative, offering normalization with Israel in exchange for a return to pre-1967 borders and a just resolution for Palestinian refugees.
2014: Arab leaders pledged $5.4 billion to rebuild Gaza after Israel’s 50-day war, though actual disbursement of funds faced delays and political roadblocks.

What Happens After the Summit?
Once Arab nations align on a reconstruction strategy, further negotiations will be needed to finalize funding and logistics. However, in the middle of all the plans, all eyes will be on Israel – Will Israel allow Gaza’s rebuilding to take place?

With the ceasefire hanging by a thread and humanitarian conditions worsening by the day, immediate priorities may shift toward preventing mass starvation and ensuring that Israel does not resume its assault on Gaza.

Hence, mediation efforts by Qatar and Egypt will be crucial in keeping the fragile truce from collapsing. The coming days will be decisive, not just for Gaza’s future, but for the credibility of the Arab League in addressing one of the region’s most pressing crises.