Arab Summit to Address Egypt’s Plan for Gaza Amidst Hamas Rejection
Arab leaders will meet in Cairo to discuss Egypt’s plan for Gaza, which aims to exclude Hamas and establish interim governance. The discussion contrasts with Trump’s proposal and emphasizes regional control. Funding and management of reconstruction efforts remain vital concerns, with Hamas expressing strong resistance to external interference.
On Tuesday, Arab leaders convene in Cairo to discuss Egypt’s alternative plan for Gaza, which aims to exclude Hamas and establish interim governing bodies composed of Arab, Muslim, and Western officials. This initiative stands in stark contrast to U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for a “Middle East Riviera,” sparking critical negotiations regarding who will oversee Gaza moving forward amid ongoing conflict.
The situation remains tense, as Hamas firmly opposes any externally imposed administration. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri emphasized that the group would reject any foreign governance or military presence in Gaza, stressing their desire for self-governance and protection of their rights.
Egypt’s vision has emerged as a leading proposal, suggesting a Governance Assistance Mission to take over responsibilities from Hamas for an undisclosed interim period, focusing on humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts. Analysts suggest that Israel may be amenable to an Arab administration, provided it does not include Hamas.
Critically, Egypt’s plan vehemently opposes the U.S. strategy for the mass displacement of Palestinians, which regional leaders view as a potential security threat. However, the proposal currently lacks clarity regarding funding sources for Gaza’s extensive rebuilding needs, estimated at over $53 billion, with Gulf states potentially needing to contribute significantly to these costs.
The UAE, perceiving Hamas as a direct threat, advocates for its immediate disarmament, while other Arab nations prefer a gradual approach. Following the recent escalation of violence, where Hamas instigated attacks resulting in substantial casualties on both sides, the region faces heightened urgency in finding a viable solution.
Egypt’s proposal includes the establishment of a steering board, which would facilitate a fund for supporting the interim governing authority and organize donor conferences for long-term reconstruction efforts. This structured approach may play a crucial role in stabilizing Gaza and addressing the humanitarian crisis that has unfolded since Hamas’s rise to power in 2007.
The upcoming Arab summit in Cairo represents a pivotal moment for formulating a unified plan for Gaza that prioritizes humanitarian needs without the involvement of Hamas. Egypt’s proposal seeks to create a governance mechanism for reconstruction, firmly opposing U.S. strategies that may disrupt the region’s stability. Significant financial support from regional powers will be essential for the reconstruction efforts, while continuing negotiations highlight the complexities of governance in Gaza post-conflict.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
