Egypt’s recent post-war Gaza plan, presented at an Arab League summit, allocates $53 billion for reconstruction without mentioning Hamas. A non-partisan technocratic committee is proposed for initial governance, followed by a full return of the Palestinian Authority. Although Hamas remains unmentioned, its influence is acknowledged as essential for stability in Gaza’s future governance.
Egypt has recently introduced a comprehensive 91-page post-war Gaza plan during an Arab League summit, which includes a $53 billion budget allocation for reconstruction over five years. Notably, the plan omits any reference to Hamas, despite the group having controlled Gaza since 2007. Rather than an expulsion plan proposed by Donald Trump, this initiative focuses on a non-partisan technocratic committee to govern Gaza for the first six months, followed by a return of the Palestinian Authority (PA) to administer the territory.
Although Egypt’s proposal does not explicitly mention Hamas, the group has expressed a positive reception towards the plan. Experts suggest that while Hamas will not participate directly in governance, its presence remains crucial. Qossay Hamed, an academic, states that “Nobody will rule Gaza without Hamas’ agreement.” Despite the exclusion from official governance, Hamas’s influence in Gaza’s sociopolitical structure persists.
Hamas officials have clarified that they are “not interested” in participating in any administrative framework in post-war Gaza. The organization has historically emphasized military resistance over political governance, possibly indicating a willingness to step back from daily management while maintaining its armed capacity. The Egyptian proposal alludes to armed groups without directly addressing Hamas, indicating that their military presence may persist amid governance changes.
The plan acknowledges the necessity for a political solution to address the roots of the armed conflict, emphasizing the establishment of a Palestinian state and withdrawal of Israeli forces as fundamental. Experts argue that the suggestion of training Palestinian police forces by Egypt and Jordan, along with the proposed presence of international peacekeeping forces, indicates a potential framework for post-war governance in Gaza, where engagement with Hamas remains essential.
Concerns about the legitimacy of the PA under Mahmoud Abbas also arise, with suggestions that legislative elections must be part of the transitional process for governance in Gaza. Failure to address public sentiment may hinder any effective return of the PA. Furthermore, political dynamics surrounding exiled leaders like Mohammed Dahlan and popular figures like Marwan Barghouti are explored, as their involvement could influence the shaping of political structures in Gaza.
In conclusion, Egypt’s post-war Gaza plan represents a significant shift in the governance structure of the enclave, with a focus on reconstruction and political stability while sidelining Hamas in official terms. However, Hamas’s residual influence demonstrates its importance in any future political processes. The plan emphasizes the need for a clear political horizon and transformative leadership to restore legitimacy and pave the way for comprehensive peace and rebuilding efforts in Gaza.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
