Arab leaders embraced an Egyptian reconstruction plan for Gaza at a summit, which costs $53 billion and avoids resettling Palestinians, diverging from Trump’s vision. President Sisi indicated cooperation with Palestinians to govern Gaza temporarily, while funding from Gulf states is essential. Key challenges, especially regarding Hamas, remain a focus of intense negotiation.
At a recent summit in Cairo, Arab leaders unanimously adopted an Egyptian reconstruction plan for Gaza, amounting to $53 billion and notably avoiding the resettlement of Palestinians. This proposal stands in stark contrast to U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision for a “Middle East Riviera.” Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi expressed confidence in Trump’s potential to foster peace in the region, although key uncertainties remain regarding governance and funding sources needed for reconstruction.
President Sisi revealed that Egypt collaborated with Palestinians to form an independent administrative committee of technocrats to govern Gaza temporarily. This committee would oversee humanitarian aid and the strip’s administration until the Palestinian Authority (PA) can return to power. The ongoing political rivalry with Hamas, which governs Gaza and opposes the PA, complicates the situation significantly, especially after their recent hostilities against Israel.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas responded positively to the Egyptian initiative, urging President Trump to support a plan that avoids the displacement of Palestinians. He expressed his readiness to hold elections, affirming the PA’s status as the legitimate governing body despite growing discontent regarding its leadership and governance. Abbas’s authority continues to face challenges, particularly amidst allegations of corruption and undemocratic practices.
Significant financial contributions from wealthy Gulf states such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia will be crucial for the reconstruction effort. The UAE, perceiving Hamas as a threat, advocates for its total disarmament, while other nations may prefer a more gradual approach. Saudi leadership is also cautious of Hamas’s armed presence, complicating the consensus needed to support any reconstruction plan.
During the summit, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan emphasized the necessity of international guarantees to maintain the ceasefire and reinforced the PA’s governance role in Gaza. In contrast, senior Hamas officials dismissed international calls for disarmament, asserting their unyielding right to resist foreign intervention. The dynamics of Hamas’s power in Gaza remain contentious, as the group has historically suppressed dissent.
Egypt, Jordan, and Gulf states have worked collaboratively over the past month to craft an alternative to Trump’s proposal, which they believe risks regional destabilization through the mass displacement of Palestinians. The Egyptian plan includes detailed redevelopment proposals for Gaza, featuring essential infrastructure like a commercial harbor and a technology hub. However, it is contingent upon Hamas’s demilitarization, a non-negotiable condition for Israeli cooperation in any prospective governance arrangement.
The adoption of the Egyptian reconstruction plan reflects a significant shift in Arab strategy regarding Gaza, favoring an approach that prioritizes Palestinian stability over resettlement. Despite their acceptance of the plan, crucial challenges remain regarding governance, funding, and addressing the Hamas issue. The support from Gulf states will be instrumental in realizing these ambitious reconstruction goals, as regional dynamics continue to evolve.
Original Source: www.cbc.ca
