Egypt plans to unveil a Gaza governance proposal at the Arab League summit, aiming to exclude Hamas and establish interim governance. The initiative seeks to counter Trump’s controversial plan which proposes displacing Palestinians. While details on governance and funding remain unclear, cooperation with Palestinian experts is highlighted.
Egypt is set to present a new plan for Gaza at an upcoming Arab League summit, designed as a countermeasure to U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision for the region. This proposal aims to exclude Hamas and replace it with interim governance led by Arab, Muslim, and Western entities. The specifics of whether the implementation would occur before or after a final peace agreement remain unclear.
Trump’s controversial plan, which advocates for the removal of Palestinians from Gaza, has received backlash from both Palestinians and Arab nations. Negotiations concerning Gaza’s future are complicated by unanswered questions about governance post-conflict. Hamas has expressed its refusal to accept any proposals imposed by external actors.
The Egyptian initiative includes the establishment of a Governance Assistance Mission that would oversee humanitarian efforts and reconstruction efforts. A key part of the plan states that substantial international aid for Gaza’s recovery hinges on the reduction of Hamas’s influence. The proposal leaves several critical issues unaddressed, including funding mechanisms and governance structures.
For nearly a month, Egypt, Jordan, and Gulf Arab states have been strategizing to present a united front against Trump’s initiative. While the specifics of the governance mission are vague, the draft emphasizes collaboration with Palestinian experts to expedite Gaza’s recovery. Egyptian officials have not publicly commented on this plan yet.
Hamas has dismissed reports of Egypt’s proposal, asserting that the governance of Gaza must solely be decided by its Palestinian residents. The Egyptian draft notably omits references to future elections and does not clarify what actions might be taken if Hamas declines to disarm.
Under the proposal, a stabilization force predominantly comprising Arab states is suggested to replace local security and maintain order. Additionally, a steering board comprising key nations would oversee governance and security. Importantly, the plan does not detail a central role for the Palestinian Authority, which has limited support among Gazans.
Since Hamas’s rise to power in 2007, it has suppressed any opposition, establishing a significant military presence. The estimated cost for Gaza’s reconstruction exceeds $53 billion, and substantial financial contributions from Gulf states are anticipated. The draft also mentions the potential establishment of a fund to support interim governance and hold donor conferences.
In summary, Egypt’s proposed plan for Gaza seeks to establish a new governance framework that excludes Hamas while emphasizing humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts in the enclave. Although lacking clear provisions on governance and funding, it aims to counter Trump’s controversial strategy. The reaction from Arab leaders and the Palestinian Authority will be crucial in dictating its future viability. The situation remains fluid, with significant implications for regional stability and reconciliation efforts.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
