The UAE is lobbying the Trump administration to reject Egypt’s post-war Gaza plan backed by the Arab League, revealing tensions over Gaza’s governance. This conflict reflects broader geopolitical struggles, particularly regarding the role of Hamas and U.S. military aid to Egypt. Amid escalating violence in Gaza, these dynamics may further complicate U.S. relations in the region.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is actively lobbying the Trump administration to undermine a post-war Gaza plan, endorsed by the Arab League, which was drafted by Egypt. This growing discord reflects a fierce competition among Arab states regarding influence over Gaza’s future governance, especially concerning the role of Hamas. U.S. diplomats are increasingly concerned that this conflict is detrimental to U.S. interests in the region.
Cairo faces a challenging dilemma as both the UAE and Egypt support Mohammed Dahlan, an exiled former Fatah official, as they navigate differing views on Hamas’ authority in Gaza. A U.S. official indicated that the UAE’s actions contradict their previous agreement on the Arab League plan. Furthermore, the UAE is leveraging its connections within the White House to label the plan as impractical and to suggest that Cairo overestimates Hamas’ influence.
UAE ambassador to the U.S., Yousef al-Otaiba, has reportedly been advocating for the U.S. to apply pressure on Egypt regarding the displaced Palestinians, emphasizing a perceived lack of viable alternatives. The UAE has criticized Egypt’s Gaza reconstruction strategy for not effectively addressing the disarmament of Hamas. While Egypt maintains that the Palestinian Authority would oversee governance, the UAE asserts this allows too much power to Hamas.
Despite a ceasefire brokered by the U.S. in January, violence has escalated again in Gaza, leading to serious humanitarian concerns as Israel has resumed airstrikes. The U.S. strategy has included discussions for a temporary truce contingent on Hamas releasing hostages, yet the situation remains tense as Hamas seeks a definitive end to hostilities.
The Trump administration’s mixed signals regarding military aid to Egypt have further complicated matters, with announcements hinting at potential reductions amidst demands for Egypt to manage the Gaza border more rigorously. This precarious environment raises significant questions about the future of U.S.-Egypt relations, particularly concerning military assistance, which is vital for Egypt’s stability.
Both Egypt and the UAE coalesce around their support for Mohamed Dahlan, as reflected in recent political maneuvers. Despite their shared interests, they remain divided, particularly concerning the Egyptian-led Gaza plan. This rift indicates a deeper geopolitical struggle as both nations vie for influence in the broader Middle Eastern landscape.
The ongoing lobbying by the UAE against Egypt’s Gaza reconstruction plan underscores a power struggle among Arab states for influence over Gaza’s future. Tensions are exacerbated by the U.S. administration’s ambivalence toward the Arab League’s endorsement, while military aid concerns and the roles of key figures like Mohammed Dahlan suggest a complex geopolitics at play. As the situation escalates, the potential for increased conflict in Gaza and shifts in U.S.-Egypt relations remain critical issues that require careful monitoring.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
