Following a crucial meeting with King Abdullah II, President Trump appears to support an Egyptian-led plan for Gaza, stepping away from a contentious proposal for forced Palestinian displacement. Egypt’s successful negotiations with Hamas have resulted in the release of captives, further consolidating its role in Gaza’s reconstruction. Upcoming discussions involving regional leaders aim to establish a governance model that excludes Hamas and prioritizes stability.
Following a significant meeting between United States President Donald Trump and King Abdullah II of Jordan, Egypt’s strategy regarding Gaza has appeared to gain traction. A senior Egyptian official disclosed to Middle East Eye that they managed to convince Trump to support an Egyptian post-war plan for the region instead of endorsing the forced displacement of Palestinians, which was previously proposed. The official noted, “This will be an Egyptian plan adopted and supported by the Arabs.”
The Egyptian official, speaking anonymously, highlighted that King Abdullah’s visit to Washington was instrumental in swaying Trump away from his controversial Gaza proposal. The closed meeting reportedly yielded positive results, confirming that Trump was receptive to the concerns raised. The official remarked, “The closed meeting was very good.”
During discussions, King Abdullah avoided publicly confronting Trump over his initial proposal to occupy Gaza but cautioned him that such a move could incite Islamic extremism and destabilize pro-US governments across the region. The Egyptian official observed that Trump appeared “attentive and sympathetic” during their dialogue, indicating a willingness to listen to alternative perspectives.
Expanding on these developments, Egypt successfully conveyed a significant negotiation with Hamas, resulting in the release of six living captives. This number exceeded the terms outlined in the recent ceasefire agreement. The negotiations were likely influenced by Israel allowing important heavy machinery and mobile homes into Gaza, ultimately promoting the reconstruction efforts while reducing tensions.
As President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi prepares for an upcoming visit to Riyadh, the agenda will center on discussions related to Egypt’s governance plan for Gaza post-conflict. This engagement comes in the wake of widespread criticism of Trump’s idea for a US takeover of Gaza, which alarmed both domestic and international observers. Many regional allies feared this would amplify anti-American sentiment and exacerbate the conflict.
Amid varying speculations regarding Trump’s intentions, including whether he genuinely seeks control of Gaza or if he is attempting to negotiate concessions from Arab nations, the Egyptian plan appears to be gaining acceptance. During a concurrent visit to Israel, Senator Lindsey Graham noted that there is minimal support among U.S. lawmakers for any takeover of Gaza.
Discussions regarding Gaza’s future governance are ongoing, with proposed plans suggesting that the enclave might be administered by a new Palestinian authority not linked to Hamas or the Palestinian Authority (PA). The Egyptian official mentioned that Hamas is open to allowing a new government to take shape without senior PA members, presenting a potential shift in Gaza’s governance model.
In conclusion, the outcomes of Trump’s meeting with King Abdullah II signify a pivotal moment for Egypt’s plan to navigate the post-war governance of Gaza. The support for an Egyptian-led initiative aligns with wider Arab interests, addressing concerns over potential radicalization. As discussions advance, the region’s stability and reconstruction efforts will depend largely on the cooperative involvement of various stakeholders to ensure a sustainable peace. The complex dynamics underscore the need for comprehensive strategies that engage key regional powers while prioritizing the welfare of the Palestinian populace.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
