Arab leaders will meet in Cairo to discuss Egypt’s alternative plan for Gaza, which seeks to marginalize Hamas’ influence and emphasizes humanitarian aid and reconstruction. The Egyptian proposal rejects U.S. suggestions for mass Palestinian displacement and requires considerable financial backing from Gulf nations for its implementation. Hamas has strongly opposed any external administrative control in the region.
On Tuesday, Arab leaders will convene in Cairo, with Egypt proposing an alternative plan for Gaza that aims to minimize Hamas’ influence, contrasting with U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision of a ‘Middle East Riviera.’ The crux of the ongoing negotiations revolves around the future governance of the Palestinian enclave, which has been devastated by prolonged conflict with Israel.
The proposed Egyptian plan is emerging as a leading solution, as discussions among Egypt, Jordan, and Gulf Arab states continue for nearly a month. This plan suggests replacing the current Hamas-led government with a Governance Assistance Mission, tasked with facilitating humanitarian aid and initiating reconstruction efforts, according to a draft viewed by Reuters.
An anonymous source indicated that Israel is not likely to oppose an Arab-led governance transition in Gaza, provided Hamas is excluded. Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior figure in Hamas, emphasized their rejection of any imposed administration, asserting the group’s desire to maintain Palestinian self-governance and resist outside influence.
Egypt’s initiative firmly counters the U.S. proposal, which advocates for the mass displacement of Palestinians—a scenario seen as a potential security threat by Arab nations. Moreover, while the Egyptian proposal does not specify funding mechanisms, it is estimated that at least $20 billion will be necessary from Gulf States to kickstart reconstruction efforts.
The United Arab Emirates, viewing Hamas as a significant threat, demands immediate disarmament of the group, while other nations prefer a more gradual approach to disarmament. Since Hamas seized control of Gaza in 2007, it has systematically suppressed dissent and fortified its military capabilities amidst ongoing hostilities with Israel.
Egypt’s plan envisions an organizational framework involving a steering board to oversee the establishment of a fund dedicated to supporting Gaza’s interim governance and coordination of donor conferences to secure financing for long-term recovery and development.
In summary, the upcoming Arab summit in Cairo will focus on Egypt’s proposal for Gaza, which aims to dismantle Hamas’ control and establish interim governance. This plan significantly deviates from President Trump’s vision, which is viewed skeptically by Arab leaders concerned about regional stability. The successful implementation of Egypt’s plan may hinge on substantial financial commitments from Gulf Arab states and a collaborative international effort to rebuild Gaza.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
