President Donald Trump has reportedly backed an Egyptian-led plan for Gaza following a meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah II. This decision moves away from the notion of forcibly displacing Palestinians. The discussions led to the negotiation for the release of captives by Hamas and paved the way for further cooperation in Gaza’s reconstruction and governance.
Following a meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan, President Donald Trump has reportedly aligned with Egypt’s initiative concerning Gaza, moving away from potential plans for the forced displacement of Palestinians. According to a senior Egyptian official, Trump’s agreement marks a significant shift towards supporting an Egyptian-led plan for post-war Gaza, which would have the backing of the Arab nations.
The Egyptian official praised the recent discussions in Washington, underscoring that the meeting between King Abdullah and Trump was instrumental in altering the U.S. stance on Gaza. The king cautioned Trump that any displacement plan would exacerbate Islamic extremism and threaten pro-U.S. regimes in the region, emphasizing the importance of a more tempered approach.
Building upon the favorable diplomatic climate, Egypt successfully negotiated the release of six captives from Hamas as part of a broader ceasefire agreement with Israel, which also allowed reconstruction vehicles to enter Gaza. This move not only doubled the number of released captives but also underscored Egypt’s growing role in Gaza’s reconstruction process, aiming for a cohesive governance framework.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi will travel to Riyadh to discuss the Egyptian proposal for post-war governance in Gaza. This initiative is seen as a response to Trump’s controversial suggestion for U.S. control over Gaza, which stirred substantial backlash and concern among Arab allies, fearing it may lead to intensified violence and instability.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding Trump’s original interest in Gaza, both U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal have commented on the lack of support for U.S. takeover of the area. They noted that Arab states are working on plans to normalize relations with Israel while advocating for Palestinian self-determination and strengthening regional collaborations.
Israel has taken steps to facilitate the situation by encouraging the voluntary immigration of Palestinians and is set to begin discussions on a second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, which will address the governance of post-war Gaza. Various plans are under consideration that aim for a stable governance model, potentially excluding both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority (PA).
The prospects for Gaza’s future governance hinge on the involvement of various Palestinian factions and international partners. The Egyptian plan aims to establish a governing body without direct links to Hamas, utilizing local PA officials while ensuring Gulf countries play a crucial role in the region’s reconstruction efforts that may require an estimated $50 billion.
In conclusion, the discussions between President Trump and King Abdullah II have led to a pivotal shift in U.S. support towards an Egyptian-led plan for post-war Gaza, moving away from aggressive displacement strategies. Egypt’s active diplomatic engagement has positioned it as a key stakeholder in the reconstruction and governance initiatives for Gaza, with comprehensive plans that engage various regional actors and attempt to ensure stability and security in the area. The commitment to rebuilding Gaza underscores the significant financial and logistical challenges that lie ahead for stakeholders involved in this critical situation.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
