At a summit in Cairo, Arab leaders adopted an Egyptian plan costing $53 billion for Gaza’s reconstruction, which emphasizes Palestinian governance without displacement. President Abbas supported the plan, while funding is critical from Gulf nations, and concerns about Hamas’s role and disarmament persist amid ongoing conflict dynamics.
At a recent summit in Cairo, Arab leaders embraced an Egyptian reconstruction initiative for Gaza, which is projected to cost $53 billion and preserves the Palestinian presence without displacement. This choice diverges from U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan, dubbed the “Middle East Riviera.” Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi confirmed the acceptance of this proposal, emphasizing the need for a sustainable peace in the region following the ongoing conflict that has severely impacted Gaza.
Sisi highlighted the establishment of an administrative committee comprising Palestinian experts to oversee humanitarian aid and govern Gaza temporarily. This initiative is intended to facilitate the eventual reinstatement of the Palestinian Authority (PA) in the region. The future governance of Gaza remains uncertain, particularly concerning the role of Hamas, which has been implicated in escalating tensions with Israel.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed his endorsement of the Egyptian plan, asserting the necessity for support from the U.S. while advocating against the displacement of Palestinians. Abbas, in power since 2005, also mentioned his willingness to conduct elections under suitable conditions, emphasizing the PA’s unique legitimacy in Palestinian governance.
Funding for reconstruction heavily relies on affluent Gulf Arab nations such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The UAE, viewing Hamas as a threat, seeks its immediate disarmament, while various Arab states propose a more gradual approach. Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister underscored the importance of international assurances for a lasting ceasefire and endorsing the PA’s leadership role in Gaza.
Hamas, founded in 1987 from Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, continues to resist calls for disarmament, asserting its right to oppose perceived threats. A senior official stated that impositions from external actors would not be accepted, emphasizing Hamas’s rejection of foreign involvement in governance.
Egypt, Jordan, and Gulf states have collaborated for nearly a month on an alternative proposal to Trump’s strategy, which they believe could destabilize the region. The draft agreement rejects the large-scale displacement of Palestinians and presents Egypt’s comprehensive 112-page reconstruction plan including infrastructural developments like a commercial harbor and community amenities.
Israel may not object to Arab governance of Gaza if it involves the removal of Hamas, as long as the group’s military capacity is eliminated. However, an Israeli official stated that immediate demilitarization of Hamas is imperative for any agreement to be acceptable, amid ongoing conflict statistics indicating substantial casualties on both sides.
The recent Cairo summit resulted in Arab nations supporting an Egyptian plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, prioritizing Palestinian presence and governance while aiming to eliminate Hamas’s military influence. Key issues remain regarding who will lead Gaza and how reconstruction will be funded, requiring substantial support from Gulf states. The evolving situation demands careful diplomatic navigation to ensure stability and peace in the region.
Original Source: www.cbc.ca
