Egyptian former diplomat Mohamed Hegazy has detailed a possible “three-phase” plan for Gaza’s reconstruction, AFP reports.

Reconstruction will be a critical issue at an Arab summit in Saudi Arabia on Gaza after US President Donald Trump highlighted this as the key reason for moving its inhabitants out while Gaza’s infrastructure is rebuilt.

Egypt has not yet announced its counter-initiative, but Hegazy described a plan “in three technical phases over a period of three to five years”.

The first would be a six-month “early recovery phase”, said the member of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, a think tank with strong ties to decision-making circles in Cairo. “Heavy machinery will be brought in to remove debris, while designated safe zones will be identified within Gaza to temporarily relocate residents,” Hegazy said.

The second phase will require an international conference to provide details of reconstruction and would focus on rebuilding utility infrastructure, he said.

“The final phase will oversee the urban planning of Gaza, the construction of housing units, and the provision of educational and healthcare services.”