Trump Endorses Egypt’s Gaza Plan Following Jordan’s King…

Following a significant meeting, President Trump appears to support Egypt’s plan for post-war governance in Gaza, moving away from earlier proposals advocating for the displacement of Palestinians. Jordan’s King Abdullah played a critical role in persuading Trump against these ideas. An Egyptian official confirmed ongoing negotiations for the release of captives by Hamas amid agreements on reconstruction efforts and governance.

Following a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Egypt reportedly secured Trump’s support for a post-war plan for Gaza. A senior Egyptian official disclosed that Trump’s previous intentions regarding the forced displacement of Palestinians have been redirected towards an Egyptian-led initiative, emphasizing cooperation among Arab nations in the governance of Gaza. “This will be an Egyptian plan adopted and supported by the Arabs,” stated the official.

King Abdullah’s discussions in Washington were pivotal in persuading Trump to abandon his controversial proposal to remove Palestinians from Gaza. The Egyptian official noted that Abdullah privately cautioned Trump that such actions would spur “Islamic extremism” and could destabilize pro-U.S. regimes in the region, a sentiment that resonated with Trump, who appeared receptive during their conversation.

The momentum from Abdullah’s visit empowered Egypt to foster a trustful relationship with the U.S., culminating in the negotiation of Hamas releasing six captives, exceeding the initial expectations set by the ceasefire terms. The release was partially facilitated by Israel permitting significant reconstruction resources into Gaza. The official confirmed that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi would visit Saudi Arabia soon to further discuss Gaza’s governance post-conflict.

Trump’s earlier remarks proposing direct U.S. intervention in Gaza prompted widespread criticism both domestically and internationally, alarming Arab allies worried about potential backlash from their populations. Speculation remains regarding Trump’s genuine intentions towards Gaza versus utilizing the threat to gain concessions from Arab nations. A Republican Senator affirmed a strong reluctance towards U.S. takeover of the enclave.

Israel’s engagement with Trump’s proposal has led to discussions about encouraging “voluntary immigration” of Palestinians, despite ongoing negotiations regarding the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire aimed at governance settlements. Various Arab states and the Palestinian Authority (PA) have suggested governance models that would remove both Hamas and PA officials from power in favor of a more neutral administration.

The Egyptian official indicated that there is no intention for violent confrontation, as Hamas may agree to relinquish control for a new, neutral government. Additionally, the proposed governance plan reportedly would not include Hamas or the PA, instead favoring a reformed police force from remaining PA members. Ongoing discussions emphasize the need for cooperation among Palestinian factions to avoid unilateral decisions imposed by the U.S. or Israel.

Ensuring effective governance in Gaza remains complicated, especially considering historical precedents where armed factions retained power outside state control. Egypt’s approach includes granting Gulf states a role in the reconstruction efforts, highlighting the necessity for significant international investment, estimated to exceed $50 billion. The urgency for immediate funding to aid rebuilding efforts is apparent, particularly in the first three years after the conflict.

The U.S. appears to be shifting its stance on Gaza following diplomatic efforts by Egypt and Jordan, favoring an Egyptian-led reconstruction plan instead of forced Palestinian displacement. This initiative aims to unite Arab support in establishing a new governance framework for Gaza. The upcoming international cooperation could play a significant role in rebuilding efforts while addressing the concerns of regional stability and national governance.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net