EGYPT is developing plans to rebuild Gaza, without displacing Palestinians, to counter US President Donald Trump’s proposal to depopulate and take over the territory, local reports revealed today.

Egypt’s state-run Al-Ahram newspaper said the proposal involves establishing “secure areas” within Gaza where Palestinians can live while Egyptian and international firms remove rubble and rehabilitate infrastructure.

Egyptian officials have discussed the plan with European diplomats and Gulf states, according to Egyptian officials and Arab and Western diplomats who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Talks also include funding options, such as an international reconstruction conference.

The proposal follows international uproar over Mr Trump’s call to remove Gaza’s two-million-strong population.

Mr Trump said the US would take over and rebuild it as the “Riviera of the Middle East,” barring Palestinians from returning.

Palestinians have widely said they will not leave their homeland, while Egypt and Jordan — backed by Saudi Arabia — have refused Mr Trump’s calls for them to take in Gaza’s population.

Al-Ahram said the plan aims to “refute American President Trump’s logic” and counter “any other visions or plans that aim to change the geographic and demographic structure of Gaza Strip.”

Officials from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan will discuss the proposal in Riyadh this week before introducing it to the Arab summit later this month.

Egypt’s plan calls for a three-phase reconstruction process that will take up to five years without removing Palestinians from Gaza, the Egyptian officials said.

The three-phase reconstruction plan designates three “safe zones” with mobile housing and shelters for a six-month “early recovery period,” and humanitarian aid provided.

More than two dozen Egyptian and international firms would participate in clearing debris and rebuilding infrastructure, creating tens of thousands of jobs for Gazans, officials said.