The UAE is lobbying the Trump administration to overturn an Arab League-endorsed Gaza plan proposed by Egypt, raising concerns among US diplomats about potential damage to regional interests. The UAE’s maneuvering reveals a rivalry over influence in Gaza, particularly concerning Hamas’s role. Meanwhile, tensions surrounding military aid to Egypt and coordination efforts indicate deepening complexities in the region’s political landscape, as both nations back Mohammed Dahlan as a key figure for governance in Gaza.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is actively lobbying the Trump administration to reject a post-war Gaza plan drafted by Egypt and approved by the Arab League. This growing divide reflects rivalries in Arab politics regarding governance and the influence of Hamas in Gaza’s reconstruction. The UAE’s stance is putting increasing pressure on Cairo, which has historical ties to both the UAE and the chosen Palestinian power broker, Mohammed Dahlan.
The UAE is leveraging its relationship with the White House to criticize the Cairo plan, deeming it infeasible while alleging that it affords too much power to Hamas. The UAE’s ambassador to the US, Yousef al-Otaiba, is reportedly pressuring US officials and lawmakers to push for the acceptance of forcibly displaced Palestinians, a stance he has previously supported.
Hamas, which has historical connections to the Muslim Brotherhood and has found some operational freedom in Egypt, has expressed support for the Egyptian plan. Nonetheless, disagreements persist, especially concerning the practical implementation of disarming Hamas and maintaining security through a force trained by Jordan and Egypt.
Tensions have escalated amidst the intensification of conflict in Gaza, following the collapse of a ceasefire brokered by the US. Reports indicate that airstrikes have resumed, resulting in significant casualties and continuing humanitarian crises. US mediation efforts aim to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas while discussions about future ceasefires remain unresolved.
As relations between the US and Egypt strain, US officials have warned that military aid to Egypt may be reassessed due to its failure to comply with external pressures regarding Gaza. While Egypt receives significant military assistance from the US, there are growing concerns among its leadership regarding the implications of potential aid cuts on its military capabilities.
Complications in the region are compounded by the UAE’s concurrent support for Dahlan as a key player in Gaza’s reconstruction, which positions both UAE and Egypt in delicate competition despite shared interests. Additionally, the recent US diplomatic approach has alienated some traditional allies, as seen in their lukewarm response to the Arab League’s endorsed Gaza plan, which has garnered support from several European nations but remains unrecognized by the US.
The complexities of Middle Eastern politics, including shifting alliances and rivalries, illustrate the precarious balance of power as the UAE and Egypt navigate their respective aims in the aftermath of the conflict in Gaza. A consensus on governance and future facilitation of Palestinian leadership remains a contentious issue amidst these geopolitical maneuvers.
In summary, the UAE’s efforts to lobby the Trump administration against the Arab League’s Gaza plan showcase the underlying tensions within Middle Eastern political dynamics. The competition for influence in Gaza’s future governance highlights the delicate balance between the UAE and Egypt, particularly as they both support Mohammed Dahlan. Additionally, the evolving relationship between the US and Egypt regarding military aid amidst ongoing conflicts poses significant implications for regional stability and governance in Gaza. The complexities faced by the US in navigating its alliances, coupled with the repercussions of its foreign policy decisions, further emphasize the intricate web of relations in the Middle East.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
