Egypt has proposed an interim governance plan for Gaza to replace Hamas with a governance framework supported by Arab, Muslim, and Western nations. The initiative aims to facilitate humanitarian aid and reconstruction while excluding Hamas and the Palestinian Authority from central roles. The proposal was set to be discussed at the Arab League summit, amidst differing views from Israeli leadership and Hamas officials.
Egypt has proposed an interim governance plan for Gaza, which aims to replace Hamas with governance structures managed by Arab, Muslim, and Western nations. This proposal, examined by Reuters, is set to be presented at the upcoming Arab League summit in Cairo. The focus of the initiative is on humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts, with the intention of establishing a Governance Assistance Mission for Gaza.
The draft highlights that substantial international funding for Gaza’s reconstruction will remain unavailable as long as Hamas retains its grip on power. Instead, the plan introduces an International Stabilization Force led by Arab nations, which would ensure Palestinian engagement in the recovery efforts. Notably, the Palestinian Authority will not have a central role in this governance structure.
Key elements of the Egyptian plan include governance oversight by a steering board composed of Arab states, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the United States, and the European Union. It also notably rejects President Donald Trump’s vision for resettling Gaza’s residents, instead emphasizing local and collaborative governance.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently lauded Trump’s Gaza proposal, describing it as “visionary and innovative.” In response to inquiries regarding Egypt’s plan, White House National Security spokesman Brian Hughes acknowledged that Trump is committed to his vision while appreciating contributions from Arab partners to the discourse.
The United Nations estimates that Gaza’s reconstruction could reach over $53 billion. Although the Egyptian plan does not provide detailed funding sources, it indicates that Gulf and Arab nations would need to contribute approximately $20 billion at the onset, yet commits to no specific financial obligations.
In reaction, senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri expressed ignorance regarding the Egyptian initiative and firmly declined any external intervention. “The future of Gaza must be determined solely by the Palestinians,” he asserted, rejecting any external projects, non-Palestinian governance, or foreign military presence in Gaza.
In summary, Egypt’s proposed governance plan for Gaza seeks to replace Hamas with internationally supported interim authorities focused on humanitarian aid and reconstruction. The plan excludes substantial roles for Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, aiming for collaborative governance led by Arab nations, the U.S., and the EU. While there is significant financial backing needed for reconstruction, Hamas has firmly rejected external involvement. Overall, this proposal presents a diplomatic alternative to the current governance issues in Gaza.
Original Source: www.clevelandjewishnews.com
