Egypt has proposed a new plan for Gaza that seeks to replace Hamas with interim governing bodies backed by Arab and Western nations, amid challenges posed by Donald Trump’s controversial Middle East vision. The plan intends to address reconstruction needs but lacks clarity on financial commitments and governance dynamics, focusing on immediate humanitarian aid and security. Hamas’s strong opposition further complicates potential implementation, highlighting local sentiments against foreign influence in governance.
Egypt has developed a proposal for Gaza, aimed at countering U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision for the region post-war. The draft, which will be presented at an upcoming Arab League summit, envisions sidelining Hamas in favor of interim governing bodies supported by Arab, Muslim, and Western nations. However, it remains unclear if these changes would take effect before or after a definitive peace agreement following the recent conflict ignited by the October 7, 2023 attacks.
The Egyptian plan does not include clarification on who would fund Gaza’s reconstruction or details on governance structure, particularly concerning how to replace Hamas effectively. This oversight raises questions, as both Palestinians and regional players must grapple with the potential power vacuum. Hamas’s rejection of any imposed governance frameworks complicates the feasibility of such proposals, indicating deep-rooted hesitations within the Palestinian constituency.
Under the outlined framework, a Governance Assistance Mission would assume control over Gaza’s governance in the interim, focusing on humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts. Despite the urgency of these initiatives, the viability hinges on Hamas’s disarmament and removal from governance, a point underscored in the Egyptian draft’s preamble highlighting the necessity of a non-dominant Hamas to attract international funding.
In light of Trump’s ambitious plans, which aim to displace Palestinians, Arab leaders, particularly from Egypt and Jordan, are eager to formulate a counter-strategy. Although the acceptance of the Egyptian proposal by other Arab nations remains uncertain, it has emerged as a leading candidate amid various diplomatic efforts. The details shared have yet to be validated by official announcements, highlighting the sensitive nature of these discussions.
Hamas officials, including senior member Sami Abu Zuhri, have publicly denounced Egypt’s proposal, asserting that the future governance of Gaza must be determined solely by the Palestinians. This sentiment reflects widespread apprehension regarding foreign intervention and external control over Gaza’s political landscape, complicating the implementation of any proposed governance transition without local backing.
Moreover, the Egyptian draft lacks provisions for future elections or clear pathways should Hamas refuse to disband its forces. It envisions an International Stabilization Force largely drawn from Arab nations to oversee security in Gaza, alongside efforts to establish local policing, all under a supervisory steering board that includes representatives from various international stakeholders.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) is mentioned only indirectly in the framework, an aspect likely to evoke criticism given its diminished popularity. A Palestinian official indicated ongoing discussions about a collaborative effort involving Palestinian experts to guide governance during a transitional phase, emphasizing the necessity of Palestinian leadership in any arrangement.
Financially, the recovery of Gaza is daunting, with preliminary estimates suggesting a reconstruction bill exceeding $53 billion. According to sources, substantial commitments from Gulf states, potentially reaching $20 billion for initial phases, appear critical. However, the proposal has refrained from detailing specific financial assurances, leaving the funding outlook uncertain.
In summary, Egypt’s draft plan for Gaza aims to replace Hamas’s governance with an interim body supported by Arab and Western states, presenting a challenge to Trump’s controversial vision. While it advocates for humanitarian aid and reconstruction, significant ambiguities remain regarding funding, governance, and local support. Resistance from Hamas highlights potential obstacles in implementing foreign-driven plans, underscoring the complexities of achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
