Arab Leaders Discuss Egyptian Counterproposal to Trump’s Gaza Reconstruction Plan
Arab leaders are debating an Egyptian plan as a countermeasure to Trump’s Gaza reconstruction proposal at a summit in Cairo. Egypt aims for Gaza residents to remain during rebuilding efforts, amid Hamas’s refusal to yield power. The tense situation in Gaza is compounded by accusations against Hamas regarding aid misuse, leading to a halt in relief shipments. Efforts to form an international peacekeeping force and train a Palestinian police unit are under discussion.
Arab leaders are currently engaged in discussions regarding an Egyptian counterproposal to U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, during an extraordinary summit held in Cairo. The discussions come amid skepticism from Arab media concerning the feasibility of the proposal, particularly in light of Hamas’s refusal to relinquish its authority over Gaza, which it has governed for 17 years.
Egypt’s counterproposal advocates for Gaza residents to remain within the territory at seven designated locations in temporary housing, while rubble removal and land clearing operations are conducted. This contrasts sharply with Trump’s plan, which suggests relocating Palestinians outside Gaza during the reconstruction phase. President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi expressed gratitude for Trump’s involvement in Gaza’s reconstruction efforts.
El-Sissi further proposed that a group of technocrats manage the territory temporarily, as a new Palestinian police force is trained and funding for the reconstruction is sought. In alignment with these efforts, Egypt is preparing to host a donor conference next month to assist in facilitating the rebuilding process in Gaza.
Tensions in Gaza are escalating, particularly after Israel accused Hamas, labeled a terrorist entity by the U.S., of exploiting humanitarian aid to finance its operations, leading to the cessation of aid shipments. Political sociologist Said Sadek indicated that many Arab nations are resistant to disarming Hamas or compelling it to relinquish power, which complicates the reconstruction efforts.
The summit is expected to address strategies for mitigating Hamas’s influence and potentially establishing an international Muslim peacekeeping force, while training Palestinian police. Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV highlighted that Arab leaders may endorse a proposal for the United Nations to assist in forming a joint Arab-international peacekeeping presence in Gaza temporarily, while a new Palestinian police force is established.
Historically, Egypt ruled Gaza from 1948 until its seizure by Israel in 1967 but has refused to regain control of the territory. Jamal Rushdy, spokesperson for the Arab League, downplayed any disputes concerning Egypt’s Gaza plan, emphasizing that it represents the initial steps towards reconstruction and securing necessary funding. Hamas has, however, stated its commitment to maintaining power and weaponry, insisting that such actions are not negotiable, while Israel threatens to resume military conflict if Hamas’s strength continues to grow.
The ongoing Arab summit in Cairo seeks to address the reconstruction of Gaza through an Egyptian counterproposal to Trump’s plan, amidst skepticism about Hamas’s willingness to relinquish control. As tensions rise and the risk of conflict looms, discussions will focus on strategies to diminish Hamas’s influence in Gaza. The path forward remains uncertain, but efforts are being made to establish interim governance and funding for reconstruction.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
