Egypt is presenting a Gaza plan at an Arab League summit, countering Trump’s proposals that aim for mass displacement of Palestinians. This draft, which excludes Hamas from governance, highlights the need for international oversight and assistance. However, significant uncertainties about governance and reconstruction funding persist.
Egypt is set to present a plan for Gaza at an upcoming Arab League summit, aiming to counter U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial vision for the region. This draft, viewed by Reuters, proposes sidelining Hamas in favor of interim governing bodies controlled by a coalition of Arab, Muslim, and Western nations. The timing of when this proposal might be executed—before or after any lasting peace agreement—remains uncertain.
Trump’s initiative, which suggests the mass displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, marks a significant departure from traditional U.S. policy focused on a two-state solution. This has provoked significant outrage among Palestinians and neighboring Arab countries, intensifying calls for alternative strategies. A central question of governance in Gaza post-conflict remains unresolved, with Hamas opposing any external imposition of governance.
Cairo’s plan lacks critical details on governance and financing for the reconstruction of Gaza, which has suffered extensive damage due to recent conflict. The draft indicates that a Governance Assistance Mission would temporarily replace Hamas’s administration, facilitating humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts. An introductory passage asserts that international funding for Gaza’s recovery will not be viable as long as Hamas continues to exert control.
Regional states, including Egypt, Jordan, and Gulf nations, are actively working to formulate a coordinated response to Trump’s proposals, with Egypt’s plan considered the leading candidate. The draft emphasizes using local Palestinian expertise to aid in Gaza’s recovery, yet stops short of identifying who would oversee this governance initiative. Hamas’s leadership has publicly denied the existence of any Egyptian proposal regarding Gaza’s administration.
The Egyptian draft does not address critical concerns such as future elections or the consequences if Hamas resists disarming. It envisions an International Stabilization Force, predominantly composed of Arab nations, to ensure security as negotiations progress. A management board, comprising various international and regional stakeholders, would oversee both security and governance efforts in Gaza.
Despite its ambitions, the plan does not clarify the Palestinian Authority’s role, which historically has enjoyed limited support among the Palestinian populace. A Palestinian official indicated that a cooperative committee of experts would work with the Authority for six months to support governance in Gaza. Since 2007, Hamas has dominated Gaza’s political landscape, presenting challenges to all opposition.
The proposal does not include a comprehensive financial plan to address the extensive reconstruction costs, which the UN estimates exceed $53 billion. Initial funding from Gulf and Arab nations would be essential, with projections suggesting that at least $20 billion is of immediate necessity. Notably, countries like the UAE are reluctant to fund reconstruction without a significant change in Hamas’s control. The draft also advocates for the establishment of a Civil Society Advisory Board to ensure inclusive governance and development.
Egypt’s draft plan for Gaza aims to replace Hamas’s control with interim governing bodies while seeking regional collaboration to counter Trump’s controversial proposals. However, critical issues concerning governance, funding for reconstruction, and the role of Palestinian entities remain unresolved. Participation and support from key regional powers will be crucial for the success of this initiative as it moves forward in a complex geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
