Arab Leaders Endorse Egypt’s Counterproposal to Trump’s Gaza Plan
Egyptian President el-Sissi revealed that Arab leaders backed a counterproposal to Trump’s Gaza plan, favoring the retention of its Palestinian population. The Egyptian $53 billion plan, discussed at a Cairo summit, aims for comprehensive rebuilding without displacing residents. The future of much-needed negotiations with Israel and Hamas remains a critical and uncertain aspect of this situation, with longstanding issues surrounding Palestinian governance also highlighted.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi announced that Arab leaders have approved a counterproposal to President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan during their meeting in Cairo. This proposal aims to allow the approximately 2 million Palestinians in Gaza to remain in the territory, contrasting with Trump’s plan to depopulate and redevelop Gaza as a tourist destination. The acceptance of this Egyptian plan by Israel or the United States remains uncertain.
During the summit hosted by President el-Sissi, key figures such as the emir of Qatar and the UAE’s vice president discussed the need for a viable postwar strategy. Although the U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres attended, the future of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains uncertain. Israel has blocked supplies to Gaza to pressure Hamas into accepting a new proposal involving hostages, raising concerns of renewed conflict.
The $53 billion Egyptian plan consists of a comprehensive 112-page document that aims to rebuild Gaza by 2030 without displacing its residents. Initial phases involve clearing rubble and establishing temporary housing for displaced individuals. Subsequent developments would focus on sustainable infrastructure, including renewable energy and revitalized agricultural zones.
The plan proposes that Hamas relinquish power to an interim administration of political independents while facilitating a transformation of Gaza’s governance. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, an opponent of Hamas, attended the meeting but Israel rejects any role for the Palestinian Authority and insists on Hamas’ disarmament.
President el-Sissi emphasized that the plan protects Palestinian rights and calls for a comprehensive approach to resolve the Palestinian issue, stating, “There will be no true peace without the establishment of the Palestinian state.” The development includes calls for a permanent resolution and potential deployment of international peacekeepers, although mentions of peacekeepers were later excluded from the draft.
Trump’s proposal for relocating Palestinian refugees garnered widespread rejection from Arab nations and international observers. A senior official from the European Union voiced commitment to the two-state solution, denouncing any territorial changes in Gaza. Egypt’s strategy is to present a credible alternative to Trump’s proposals, focusing on reconstruction and indirect negotiations with Hamas to ensure a pathway toward a lasting peace.
In conclusion, the endorsement of Egypt’s counterproposal by Arab leaders highlights a crucial shift in the discourse surrounding Gaza’s future, focusing on preserving the Palestinian population rather than displacing it. The complexity of the situation, involving multiple stakeholders, underscores the need for a comprehensive and just approach to peace in the region. Egyptian President el-Sissi has called for serious negotiations, emphasizing that true peace aligns with the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
