The UAE is lobbying the Trump administration to dismiss an Egyptian-drafted Gaza reconstruction plan backed by the Arab League. This push threatens U.S. interests in the region, reflecting a rivalry over governance in Gaza. Simultaneously, concerns over U.S. military aid to Egypt arise as both countries support the same Palestinian figure, creating a complicated diplomatic landscape.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is actively lobbying the Trump administration to dismiss a Gaza reconstruction plan initiated by Egypt and endorsed by the Arab League. This situation is intensifying tensions, impacting U.S. interests in the region, as varying perspectives arise regarding governance in Gaza and the role of Hamas. Notably, both the UAE and Egypt generally support Mohammed Dahlan, an exiled former Fatah official, as the key Palestinian leader for the territory.
The UAE is exerting its influence with the Trump administration by branding the Egyptian plan as impractical and arguing that it disproportionately empowers Hamas. Ambassador Yousef al-Otaiba has communicated with President Trump’s close advisors and Congress, advocating for Egyptian acceptance of forcibly displaced Palestinians, a stance he previously indicated was necessary.
Complicating the dynamics is Hamas’s affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood, which both the UAE and Egypt have sought to suppress. Nonetheless, the Egyptian government has maintained certain connections with Hamas to facilitate ceasefire negotiations. The UAE is particularly critical of the Egyptian plan for failing to adequately address Hamas’s disarmament.
Despite the Egyptian plan promoting Palestinian Authority governance and security force training by Jordan and Egypt, it faces opposition from Israel. As tensions rise, the ongoing U.S. involvement, including potential pressure on Egypt regarding military aid, has created concern among officials regarding the stability of U.S. relations in the region.
The current military aid of $1.3 billion provided annually to Egypt is perceived as essential for maintaining peace with Israel, highlighting the need for cooperative diplomacy. However, skepticism arising from recent U.S. policy shifts could alienate Egypt, forcing it to seek alternatives such as military partnerships with Russia or China.
The relationship between the UAE and Egypt is complex, with both countries supporting Dahlan while simultaneously competing for greater influence in Gaza’s governance. The UAE’s significant investment in Egypt and its efforts to mediate broader political scenarios across the region underscore the multifaceted nature of this geopolitical landscape.
The UAE’s lobbying against the Arab League Gaza plan illustrates growing tensions and competition for influence over Gaza’s future. As the UAE pressures the Trump administration to reject Egyptian initiatives, concerns regarding regional U.S. interests and military aid to Egypt have escalated. The complex relationships between Egypt, the UAE, and Palestinian factions continue to evolve, reflecting the deeper geopolitical challenges affecting the Middle East.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
